A-level Applied Science/Energy Transfer Systems/Ethics

Ethical issues with ECGs

ECGs can be a very powerful diagnostic tool. However, they can occasionally yield misleading or false information. Taking drugs such as warfarin can prevent life threatening blood clots from forming, but overdose can result in fatal bleeding.

Doctors may occasionally decide it is inappropriate to diagnose and/or treat patients

  • if it is against someone’s religion or belief system,
  • if it is against a patient’s wishes, or
  • if there is no benefit to the treatment, or if the side effects outweigh the benefits.
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