Summary of 1847 Medical Code of Ethics free essay sample

The code of medical ethics was written with the intention of standardizing the expectation for ethical behavior throughout every professional medical setting within the United States. This collection of ethical principles was intended for physician and patient alike, so that there would be a thorough understanding of the expectations of both parties within the medical setting. Rules concerning the subject matter should be shaped according to the recommendation of experienced physicians, past and present, including Hippocrates. Importance is placed on medical case history which has, and will continue to, shape the ethical code, given that the knowledge acquired is passed down to current practicing medical professionals. If questions arise concerning the expectations between physicians and patients, between medical co-workers, or between the medical profession and the general public, the medical code of ethics should serve as a guideline as to how behavior should be conducted. Physicians are expected to serve their patients in a variety of different ways. The first way is to apply their talents to respectfully assist the sick. Physicians are to treat cases with great detail and to keep records of that detail. However, they are not to share that information unless required to do so, complete confidentiality should be upheld. When meeting with a patient, the medical provider is to defend the patient’s spirit by only revealing necessary information, yet providing timely notice of danger when it is confirmed. Sometimes, visits and advice should be denied. For if they are unnecessary, yet still provided, anxiety could be created within the patient and the physician could be accused of having ulterior motives. Visits to patients who seem to be incurable should not be considered unnecessary, though. Physicians should continue to treat these patients, to at least strive to provide a comfortable from pain. Throughout all of their services, medical providers should aim to inspire, especially in the most difficult of circumstances. In doing this, the physician earns the respect and obligation of their patients. The ethical code cannot place all moral obligations on the physicians alone. Patients, too, have a moral responsibility within the scope of medical care. That responsibility begins by finding a physician with a legitimate education, and allowing that physician to provide as much health care to the patient and his/her family as possible. Once a trustworthy physician is located, the patient should understand that physicians risk their own health while providing their best medical advice to the sick, acknowledge the sacrificial efforts and properly compensate those services. Patients are not to withhold information concerning the potential cause of the disease, yet are to refrain from providing unnecessary details or information. Once the professional has provided his medical advice concerning medication, diet, or exercise, it is the duty of the patient to follow those orders. In addition to that, patients are to respect the time of their physician by scheduling appointments at appropriate times, along with refraining from seeking a consultation without the previous consent of the physician. Finally, if a patient intends to change their primary physician, it is the responsibility of that patient to provide reasoning behind that decision. Informing the physician is courteous, and professional. Physicians are also required to maintain a specific level of professional character. When physicians enter the medical profession, they are to strive to make further advancements in it, but should never forget to respect those who have made the advancements before them. Physicians are to hold not only themselves, but their peers to the higher standard of moral excellence required by medical professionals. Publically advertising medical services, boasting of personal medical successes, or patenting any medical instruments or medicines would fall short of that standard. These acts would not promote a medical environment where all physicians worked together for the good of the public. Proper inter-physician behavior is necessary to serve using proper methods and cures. No rivalries are to be present between practicing physicians. In fact, a physician should be ready and willing to serve another physician if called to, especially if it concerns that physician’s family, as an unbiased opinion is preferred. Even if the patient is not a relative, a requested physician or medical professional should always be allowed to sit in on a consultation. When a meeting is scheduled, punctuality is important. If in those meetings differences occur, they are to be deliberated privately, and theoretical situations are not to be discussed. All decisions must be made before delivering information to the patient. At that time, all responsibility is shared equally among deciding physicians, and differences in opinion should remain confidential. If at any time an agreement cannot be made, an additional professional should be consulted, majority rules. The assisting physician is to never say or do anything in front of the attending physician’s patient that would cause that patient to lose faith in their practitioner. There may be times where a physician is not present to properly serve his community. In that situation, substitutes are to be put in place to care for the patients of that physician. The substitute should only work according to the medical qualifications acquired. Even if the substitute is qualified to, writing new prescriptions or making any major medical decisions for the patient is not recommended without previous consent from the attending physician, except in emergency situations. When the attending physician returns, the substitute is to immediately surrender the cases back over, never causing the patient to lose trust in the original physician. Whatever services the substitute provided, he should be properly compensated for. However, specific rules about payment should be set up by the faculty in every community, because the physician and community serve each other. Even if it means risking their lives, a physician is to serve, use knowledge and skill to avoid unproven medicine, and provide testimony if called on by legal authorities. Although every situation is not described, the code of ethics should be used as a guide for behavior expected of physicians to patients, medical co-workers to each other, and physicians to the public. Medical professionals are held to a higher standard and have to maintain their knowledge in order to optimally serve. There are duties shared by all parties involved in the health care field, but all should conduct themselves according to this moral code and continue to provide respect and appreciation to those who serve.