Ethics
Ethics & Professional Responsibilities
Principles of Ethics for Emergency Medicine
Code of Professional Ethics for Physicians
The medical practioner has responsibilities to: the patient, the society, other health professionals as well as to him/herself.
The concerns most often highlighted are: the patient and physician relationship, the conduct and practice of the physician, conflicts of interest, professional relations and societal responsibilities.
All codes of conduct are built on ethical foundations. In this case:
1. Patient-physician Relationship
a. Beneficence . . . the welfare of the patient is central.
b. Non-malfeasance – “primum non nocerce” (first do not harm).
c. Autonomy – respect for right of patients to make choices.
d. Justice – avoidance of discrimination on the basis of rule, colour, religion or national origin.
2. Physicians’ Conduct and Practice
a. Veracity. Always tell the truth. Do not ever represent yourself in any communications that could be considered untruthful, misleading or deceptive.
b. Maintain medical competence
i. Study ii. Application iii. Enhance skill
c. Behaviour must not diminish capability to practice optimally. Questionable conduct or unethical behaviour will be investigated.
3. Conflicts of Interest require public disclosure
Our most important role is that of patient advocates. Physicians are obligated to recognize conflicts of interest and deal with them through public disclosures.
The patient interest is paramount. Autonomy of patient is fundamental.
If not resolved, withdraw from patient care. Do no commercial promotion of medical products and services that will generate bias, create or appear to create undue influence. All treatment offered must be based solely on medical considerations and patients’ needs. More....
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