Classic cases revisited: Of hurricanes, cyanide and moral courage

Abstract

All decisions made by doctors have a moral dimension. When a moral judgement demands a different course of action to one that represents the usual practice, many doctors do struggle. The inability to embrace such decisions can represent moral negligence, as often the consequence is greater suffering for the individual in question or loss of utility for the population. On the other hand, it takes courage to make such decisions as the society fails to accept them, even though decisions made are rational and morally valid. Clinical practice that does not conform to moral judgements can result in moral distress, burn out and job-leave. Reflective practice evaluating moral dimensions of clinical decision making is an important aspect of nurturing humanity, empathy and professionalism in the therapeutic endeavour.