Zasady etyczne American Medical Association

The Principles of Medical Ethics are living, dynamic precepts that profoundly influence the interaction between patient and physician.

Written to proclaim standards of conduct and ethical behavior identified and adhered to by physicians dating back as far as the Hippocratic Oath, the Principles of Medical Ethics set forth the basic moral tenets for the medical profession. These universal precepts are then interpreted and applied to new situations and protocols as they arise over time.

The AMA Principles of Medical Ethics are a potent, vigorous contract of caring between physicians and patients. Commitment to these Principles distinguishes AMA physicians from all the others, and instills confidence in patients.

• Principles of Medical Ethics

1. A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical service with compassion and respect for human dignity.
2. A physician shall deal honestly with patients and colleagues, and strive to expose those physicians deficient in character or competence, or who engage in fraud or deception.
3. A physician shall respect the law and recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.
4. A physician shall respect the rights of patients, of colleagues, and of other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences within the constraints of the law.
5. A physician shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the talent of other health professionals when indicated.
6. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical services.
7. A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to an improved community.

Source: Code of Medical Ethics: Current Opinions With Annotations Š 1996 American Medical Association

 

Fundamental Elements of the Patient-Physician Relationship

From ancient times, physicians have recognized that the health and well-being of patients depends upon a collaborative effort between physician and patient. Patients share with physicians the responsibility for their own health care. The patient-physician relationship is of greatest benefit to patients when they bring medical problems to the attention of their physicians in a timely fashion, provide information about their medical condition to the best of their ability, and work with their physicians in a mutually respectful alliance. Physicians can best contribute to this alliance by serving as their patients' advocates and by fostering these rights:

1.	The patient has the right to receive information from physicians and to discuss the benefits, risks, and costs of appropriate treatment alternatives. Patients should receive guidance from their physicians as to the optimal course of action. Patients are also entitled to obtain copies or summaries of their medical records, to have their questions answered, to be advised of potential conflicts of interest that their physicians might have, and to receive independent professional opinions.
2.	The patient has the right to make decisions regarding the health care that is recommended by his or her physician. Accordingly, patients may accept or refuse any recommended medical treatment.
3.	The patient has the right to courtesy, respect, dignity, responsiveness, and timely attention to his or her needs.
4.	The patient has the right to confidentiality. The physician should not reveal confidential communications or information without the consent of the patient, unless provided for by law or by the need to protect the welfare of the individual or the public interest.
5.	The patient has the right to continuity of health care. The physician has an obligation to cooperate in the coordination of medically indicated care with other health care providers treating the patient. The physician may not discontinue treatment of a patient as long as further treatment is medically indicated, without giving the patient reasonable assistance and sufficient opportunity to make alternative arrangements for care.
6.	The patient has a basis right to have available adequate health care. Physicians, along with the rest of society, should continue to work toward this goal. Fulfillment of this right is dependent on society providing resources so that no patient is deprived of necessary care because of an inability to pay for the care. Physicians should continue their traditional assumption of a part of the responsibility for the medical care of those who cannot afford essential health care. Physicians should advocate for patients in dealing with third parties when appropriate.

Source: Report of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association. Originally adopted June 1990. Updated 1994.

	Zasady etyczne American Medical Association World Medical Association International Code of Medical Ethics. World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki - Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Zasady etyczne American Medical Association. Francuski Kodeks deontologii lekarskiej i przysięga składana przez lekarzy francuskich. Komentarze do francuskiego kodeksu deontologii lekarskiej na stronach Ordre Ordre National des Medecins . Recomandations deontologiques pour l'ouverture de sites WEB . Stanowisko francuskiej Izby Lekarskiej w sprawie stronn WWW lekarzy. General Medical Council advises doctors on seeking consent Secret medical et assurances (Tajemnica lekarska a firmy ubezpieczeniowe) - rapport d'Octobre 1998 Codice di Deontologia Medica - włoski kodeks etyki lekarskiej przyjęty w 1998 roku Principes d'ethique medicale europeenne zasady etyki lekarskiej w Europie przyjęte przez Międzynarodową Konferencję Izb Lekarskich w 1987 roku. Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine . Additional Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine, on the Prohibition of Cloning Human Beings . Deklaracja Forum Organizacji Medycznych i WHO o autonomii wykonywania zawodu lekarza (EFMA and WHO Declaration on Physicians' Autonomy) . World Medical Association Declaration on Professional Autonomy and Self-Regulation . Good medical practice principles published by General Medical Council . World Medical Association Statement on Accountability, Responsibilities and Ethical Guidelines in the Practice of Telemedicine . Oświadczenie FNOMCeO (Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri) w sprawie błędów lekarzy
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