Professionalism
Introduction & Key Elements
(1)
objectives:
Understand the literature definition of
“profession” and “medical
professionalism”.
• Understand the key elements and
attributes of medical/health
professionalism.
• Understand the sources and the
processes for generating a definition
for medical professionalism.
• Discuss practical examples (case
scenarios) about professionalism and
key principles learnt.
Done by: This work covers:
Sarah Al-Mubrik Correction File
our slides + 433/432
teams
Difinitions, key elements, attributes and general concepts
What does Professionalism mean?
-Different sources
Profession is an occupation
Profession is the conduct, aims,
whose core elements is work,
or qualities that characterize a
based on the mastery of a
person in a work setting or
complex body of knowledge and
profession
skills. Oxford English Dictionar
Professionalism is exhibited by
Professionalism “constituting
one of the professional
those attitude and behaviors that
character, spirit , methods or the
serve to maintain patient interest
standing practice , or methods of
above physician self-interest.”
a professional as distinguished
American Board of Internal
from an amateur’’.
Medicine
American College Dictionary
Professionalism has three main discourses/characteristics
1) Individual 2) Interpersonal 4) Societal
MEDICINE:
is a vocation in which a doctor’s knowledge, clinical skills ,and
judgment are put in the service of protecting and restoring human well-
being.
This purpose is realized through a partnership between a patient and
doctor, one based on mutual respect ,individual responsibility and
appropriate accountability.
what is medical professionalism?
Medical professionalism is the ‘heart and soul of medicine’. More than
adherence to a set of medical ethics; it is the daily expression of what
originally attracted them to the field –a desire to help people and to
help society as a whole by providing quality health care.
Professionalism in medicine
Professionalism embodies the relationship between medicine and
society as it forms the basis of patient –physician trust. It attempts to
make tangible certain attitudes, behaviors, and characteristics that are
desirable among the medical profession.
Why professionalism is important?
Medical professionalism sets out three principles: ethical principles, knowledge
and skills & selflessness
● Being productive.
● Effective management of relationships.
● Handling conflicts.
● Being an ambassador.
● Being mission-minded.
● Being able to know and avoid the unprofessional behavior.
Professionalism key elements
Professional Values (Six Columns of Key bases of professionalism (Four
the building) steps of the building)
● Excellence. ● Ethical and Legal Boundaries.
● Humanism. ● Communication and Interpersonal
● Respect. Skills.
● Continuous Learning and Self
● Accountability.
Development.
● Altruism. ● Clinical Competence (Knowledge and
● Integrity and justice Skills)
Professional Attributes:
Confidentiality Keeping conversations between doctor
and patients unrevealed.
Trustworthiness Deserving trust or confidence.
Honesty Being truthful in representing facts.
Loyalty Unfailing fulfillment to one’s duties and
obligations.
Reliability Keeping your word, honoring your
commitments.
If You Have Any Questions Or Comments Please Inform Us:
professionalism434@gmail.com
Professionalism key elements:
Key elements Example
Excellence 1)Time management /Punctuality
( a talent or quality that is unusually good and 2) Positive attitude ( enjoy work).
surpasses ordinary standards) 3) Commitment to lifelong learning, to
exceed ordinary expectations.
4) Confidentiality.
5) Consider the language and culture of
work.
6) Give the best of your talents and
skills.
7) Recognition of professional limits
8) Protection of life
9) Prioritization
10) development in commitment,
communication, interpersonal
relationship, ethics and more .
Humanism 1) Empathy & Compassion.
is a way of being. It comprises a set of 2) Encouragement.
deep-seated personal convections about 3) Support.
one’s obligations to others especially others 4) Love and care.
in need 5) Positive attitude.
6) Values and integrity.
Respect 1) Respect patients, patients’ families,
colleagues, and other healthcare
professionals.
2) Treat patients with dignity and
respect.
3) Demonstrated good attitude and
effective communication.
4) Respect all patients in the same way
regardless to their social status.
Accountability 1) Accept responsibility.
2) Always consider confidentiality.
3) Work on resolving conflicts.
4) Avoid the business of blaming others,
circumstances or
how much you are busy
5) Addressing the health needs of the
public
6 ) Adhering to medicine’s precepts.
If You Have Any Questions Or Comments Please Inform Us:
professionalism434@gmail.com
Altruism 1) Put the patient first.
2) Avoid any conflict between your
To go beyond the call duty to help needs and the patients’ rights.
meeting the needs of others. In other 3) Give full commitment to your
words, to put the duty and patient care patient.
ahead of your own needs. The sense 4) Avoid any financial or
of “giving” of oneself in patient care. relationship biases that could have
any negative impact on the patient-
doctor relationship
Integrity and Justice 1) Be a principle-based person.
2) Be honest, and stand by your
•Highest standards of behaviour.( words.
Being fair, honest and truthful) 3) Be fair.
-•Avoidance of relationships that allow 4) Do not abuse your
personal gain to supersede the best position/authority.
interest of patients. 5) Do what you say.
6) Behave in a good manner
whether you are watched or
not.
7) Adhere to good work-place ethic
Take Home Massege
● Although there are common key elements in the definition of professionalism
that must be fulfilled, the definition might varies depending on culture, law, and
community needs.
● Sources for defining professionalism might include: literature, published
research papers, legal and ethical documents, as well as disciplinary action
documents in the hospital, and workplace. These documents are confidential.
● The definition components (key elements) should clearly define the unwritten
contract between a doctor and patients.
● The definition of professionalism is the benchmark that we could use to check
our performance and could help us to direct our goals for continuous
improvement
● It is also the measure that could be used to assess our performance by our
patients, colleagues, and the profession.
If You Have Any Questions Or Comments Please Inform Us:
professionalism434@gmail.com
MCQ’S
Q1: what resources would help you in identifying the definition of professionalism?
A- Literature
B- Published research papers.
C- All above
Q2: ‘Being truthful in representing facts’ is..
A. Trustworthiness
B. Loyalty
C. Honesty
1.C 2.C
Quiz
How would you define professionalism?
State three reasons why professionalism important in medical practice?
List six key elements of professionalism?
Excellence./Humanism./Respect./Accountability./Altruism./Integrity and justice
An individual who is empathetic, caring for others and with
positive attitude. Which one of the following attributes is
applicable to him?
a. Altruism
b. Accountability
c. Humanism
d. Excellence
Answer: C
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