Lecture 3: Osteopathic Oath and Code of Ethics

Why was the osteopathic code of ethics formulated by the American osteopathic association?

To guide its member physicians in their professional lives

and address the ethical and professional responsibilities to patients, the osteopathic profession, to self, and to society at large

What is the major assumption within the osteopathic code of ethics?

That physicians should play a major role in the development and instruction of medical ethics

How do physicians promote the integrity of the profession?

They do so via self regulation and autonomy

True or False: As physicians, when applying our knowledge and skills as needed, it should not put us at risk.

False; We apply out knowledge and skills hone needed, though doing so, may put us at risk

What group should the medical college keep in mind when making sure that their graduates are professional and ethical?

They should be responsible to the community at large to assure to the best of their ability that their medical graduates are professional and ethical.

How did a professional codes of ethics arise?

They were developed through collaboration and consensus —> thus forming a code of regulations

What happens when a professional ethic code is not established from collaboration, consensus, and codification?

Disputes that arise would be reduced to individual battles or duels of personal honor and character —> aka personal insults and disrespect

What was perceived as a “radical change” in the world of ethics?

The transition to ethics being determined by a collaborative professional consensus

Who first developed the draft of the AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics?

It was first drafted by Drs. Bell and Hays

What was the first code based on?

It was based on conceptions of professional ethics of Thomas Percival

Who continuously revises and updates the AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics?

The Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA)

When was the Osteopathic Oath first developed?

1938

When was the Osteopathic Oath updated?

1954

How does EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act) relate to the osteopathic code of medical ethics?

Section 4 of the code mentions that a patient should never abandon a patient under any reason. (anyone should be allowed in to the ER irrespective of their racial/financial background, and should be followed up by a provider if there are additional concerns upon discharge)

Section 5 of the code mentioned that a physician should work with a patient to best meet their need while doing so in a way that is backed by scientific findings. (basically everything that the provider does should

What section of the osteopathic code of medical ethic addresses patient privacy?

Section 1

When is the physician allowed to divulge information regarding a patient under section 1 of the code?

When required by law or when authorized by the patient

Section 3 of the code mentions that a physician-patient relationship should be founded on what three principles?

mutual trust, cooperation, and respect

Reliability, in the context of medical settings, is providing care by

being where and when you are expected

Which sections of the code pertains to the clause “to perform faithfully my professional duties"?”

Section 2 —> autonomy

Section 3 —> patients must have complete freedom to choose his/her physician AND physicians have complete freedom to choose patients whom he/she will serve

What is the exception to section 3 of the code regarding the physician’s ability to denying service to a patient?

The physician should not refuse to accept patients because of the patient’s race, creed, color, sex, national origin or handicap

What is the main message of section 9 of the code?

Physicians should acknowledge both their abilities and limitations, and thus should not hesitate to seek consultation when she/he believes its in the best interest of the patient!

Seek help when needed!!

What two sections of the code are related to the clause of “employ only those methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability"?”

Section 5 and 9

What is the main message of Section 5

Commitment to medical knowledge and life-long learning

**provider practices based on scientific knowledge

The clause from the oath “keeping in mind always nature’s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recovery” refers to asking ourselves —

“what can I do to assist the body in healing from within”

*as osteopathic physicians, we should aim to support the body’s natural ability to self-heal and self-regulate

What section is pertained to the clause of “I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community”

Code Section 14

What is the main message of Code Section 14

A physician should recognize the responsibility to participate in community activities and services (aka altruistic responsibilities)

What does code section 13 state?

a physician shall respect the law

What two code sections fall under the clause “not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession”

Section 12 and Section 7

Section 12 states that

any fee charged by a physician shall compensate the physician for serves actually rendered

Section 7 states that

physicians can advertise, but not advertise anything that is false or misleading

Section 15 states that

a physician can’t have sexual relations with a patient which a patient-provider relationship has been established

aka don’t sleep with your patient

Which section states that sexual harassment by a physician is unethical?

Section 16

Section 8 implies that as providers, we should

practice as a D.O assuring our patients know that were are D.O physicians (your credentials should be designated to patients)

What are the 7 VCOM values?

Professionalism

Integrity

Duty

Compassion

Altruism

Knowledge

Critical Thinking

What are the 4 behavioral domains of professional lapses in med students?

1. responsibility (Late, missing deadlines, unreliable)

2. diminished capacity for self improvement (arrogant, hostile, defensive)

3. relationship with patients

4. relationship with healthcare environment

Severely diminished capacity for self improvement is supposedly linked with how much of an increased risk in disciplinary action by a medical board?

3x risk

Severe irresponsibility is supposedly linked with how much of an increased risk in disciplinary action by a medical board?

8.5x risk