2015, Vol.18, No.4

Korean Journal of Medical Ethics 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 1.21

pISSN : 2005-8284 / eISSN : 2234-3598
https://journal.kci.go.kr/medethics

The concept of dignity receives much attention in biomedical ethics, especially with respect to care at the end of life. Paradoxically, the concept is used in moral arguments both for and against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. This article aims to shed light on the contemporary concept of dignity. More specifically, this article attempts to define the concept and show its relevance to arguments for the legitimacy of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Additionally this article offers guidelines for the appropriate role of dignity considerations in debates concerning end-of-life care.

The purpose of this essay is to inquire into the role, constitution, and practical management of hospital ethics committees (HECs). HECs have been established to provide guidance on the ethical dilemmas physicians confront in clinical practice. While HECs carry out collective decision-making based on procedural fairness, how is procedural fairness guaranteed? Three questions can and should be raised concerning HECs: a) What exactly is the role of HECs? B) How should HECs be constituted? c) How should HECs be managed? This article addresses these questions from a philosophical point of view and argues that HEC must involve ethical experts. Furthermore, this article offers a reasonable and ethical model for HECs, the so-called “Ethics Consultation Team,” and identifies the main role of HECs as providing ethical consultation in concrete cases.

This article reviews the background, history, character, and operation of the second edition of the Korean Research-based Pharma Industry Association (KRPIA) Code of Conduct. It then compares this code of conduct with those of 36 member associations of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and makes suggestions for improving the KRPIA Code of Conduct. The codes of conduct of the IFPMA member associations include items on interactions with patient organizations, sponsorship of continuing medical education, and fees for services such as consultations, speaking arrangements, and advisory board positions. However, these items are not included in the KRPIA code. It is argued that these gaps in the KRPIA Code of Conduct must be filled in order to improve the code.