Physicians will face ethical dilemmas in the course of practicing medicine, finding themselves in areas that are more gray than black and white. Here are four top ethical issues in medicine and how physicians respond, according to Medscape's 2012 Ethics Report.
Should physician-assisted suicides be allowed?
• Yes: 47 percent
• No: 40 percent
• Depends on the situation: 13 percent
Would you continue treatment against a family's wishes if the patient had a chance to recover?
• Yes: 23 percent
• No: 32 percent
• Depends on the situation: 45 percent
Would you drop poor-paying insurers, even though this would result in losing longtime patients?
• Yes: 27 percent
• No: 41 percent
• Depends on the situation: 32 percent
Is it ever acceptable to hide a mistake if that mistake does not cause patients harm?
• Yes: 16 percent
• No: 63 percent
• Depends on the situation: 21 percent
To be a complimentary reviewer at the 20th Annual Becker's ASC Meeting on Oct. 24 to 26 in Chicago, please also email Sbecker@beckershealthcare.com or call 18004172035. There are approximately five spots left to be reviewers.
More Articles on Physicians:
42% Ophthalmologists Will Drop Poor Insurers
9 Statistics on 2012 Gastroenterologist Compensation by Location
5 Recent Surgery Center Leadership Updates