Survey shows physicians know ethics but don't always practice professionalism
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
December 19, 2007
A recent survey in the December 4 Annals of Internal Medicine shows that of the more than 1,600 physicians surveyed, most agree on a list of ethical behaviors, but many do not live by those ideal behaviors, reports American Medical News. Nearly 90% of doctors agree that they should report a fellow doctor who is impaired, but more than 50% of doctors do not take this action.Other ethical norms that were agreed upon included telling patients the truth, using medical resources appropriately, maintaining credentials from the board, caring for patients regardless of their abilities to pay for treatment, and letting patients and staff know of any conflicts of interest he or she may have. Critics say that more should be done to help doctors with the legal hassles of "doing the right thing."
To read the full article, click here.
