Challenges to professionalism and ethics in perioperative clinical practice. (2nd May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Bid
• Is Part Of: British journal of hospital medicine. Volume 82:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2021-05-02
• Subjects: Medical ethics -- Moral distress -- Organisational support -- Perioperative environment -- Professionalism in medicine -- Surgical attire -- WHO checklist; Medicine -- Periodicals; Hospital care -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2020.0499
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-8460

Abstract

Abstract : Perioperative medicine can pose myriad challenges to professionalism and ethical practice. Medicine is a science, but definite end points, and predictable results and outcomes do not consistently occur. There is the potential for error during all steps of a patient's assessment and treatment. Examination findings, laboratory investigations, diagnosis, plans for and outcomes of surgery and long-term outcomes can all be uncertain and/or not meet expectations. Factors including pressures in the workplace, conflicts, ego, prescribed guidelines and pathways, the need to achieve healthcare targets, desire for autonomy and need to maintain multidisciplinary involvement in patient care can lead to an environment in which it is challenging for professionalism and ethics to thrive.