A professional response to demands for accountability: practical recommendations regarding ethical aspects of patient care
Article Abstract:
Doctors and medical professional groups may need to establish their own standards for accountability regarding the ethics of patient care. A multi-level model of accountability is proposed consisting of the parties involved, the subject matter for which parties are accountable, and relevant procedures. The subject areas of accountability in medical ethical conduct consist of decision making, patient confidentiality, finances and conflicts of interest, responsibilities to vulnerable patients, personal integrity, equitable access to care, nondiscrimination, and procedures for resolving ethical issues. Surveys of the parties involved, audits, and ratings may be used to evaluate ethical conduct. Providing information, sharing opinions, and improvement and enforcement methods may help accountable parties take responsibility for their actions.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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What is accountability in health care?
Article Abstract:
A multi-level model of accountability may be the optimum way to incorporate the responsibilities and duties of the various parties involved in health care. Accountability in health care is comprised of the parties involved, the functions for which they are held accountable, and the methods for evaluating whether parties have abided by rules. Professional accountability in the physician-patient relationship should be at the heart of the multi-level accountability model. This relationship should be encompassed by political accountability to managed care networks, which in turn should be economically accountable to employers, investors, and private money sources. Political accountability should govern managed care and other provider organizations. Health care accountability may be complex and not suited to one model alone.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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