Professionalism in the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine

DEFINITION
The osteopathic physician must demonstrate sufficient knowledge and awareness of the diverse behavioral and social sciences that provide the foundation for the professionalism competency, including medical ethics and social accountability and responsibility. The osteopathic physician should be aware of human diversity and be appropriately responsive.

MEASURED OUTCOMES
The osteopathic physician must:

• articulate moral, legal, and ethical guidelines for professional behaviors, and apply them equitably.
• explain and apply the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, justice, and utility.
• identify the patient’s social and economic situation, capacity for self-care, and ability to participate in shared decision-making.
• identify and describe the impact of social inequalities in health care, including public health crises, and the social factors that are determinants of health outcomes.
• understand reasons for inequitable health outcomes, including structural bias, health disparities, and systemic factors.
• comprehend and apply the concepts of social accountability and responsibility.

DEFINITION
The osteopathic physician must demonstrate respect, altruism, compassion, integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness toward patients of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities.

MEASURED OUTCOMES
The osteopathic physician must:

• exhibit respect and compassion for the patient’s autonomy, dignity, and privacy.
• exhibit openness, honesty, and trustworthiness with patients and their families in the completion of all reports and during the provision of evidence in any formal inquiries, including those related to litigation.
• uphold and advocate for equitable and inclusive values in all aspects of health care.

DEFINITION
The osteopathic physician must demonstrate responsiveness to the unique needs of diverse patients and populations that supersedes self-interest. The osteopathic physician must recognize the disparities present within various communities.

MEASURED OUTCOMES
The osteopathic physician must:

• use reason and appropriate judgment, incorporating the patient’s perspective and considering the impact of the patient’s socioeconomic stability, culture, and individual circumstances.
• respect patient autonomy and the right of the patient to be fully involved in decisions about care.
• respect the right of the patient to personal privacy and dignity during evaluation and management by providing care that is inclusive of all aspects of the patient’s identity.

DEFINITION
The osteopathic physician must properly establish, maintain, and conclude the physician-patient relationship in accordance with ethical and legal standards. The osteopathic physician must be answerable for all actions and their consequences, including effects on patients, the public, and the profession.

MEASURED OUTCOMES
The osteopathic physician must:

• take appropriate action to protect patients from risk if the physician has good reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit to practice or when unprofessional behavior compromises patient care or represents a threat to patients or others (e.g., impairment, substance use, incompetence, unethical conduct, inappropriate relationships, discriminatory practices).
• adhere to proper ethical and legal standards in the establishment and maintenance of the physician-patient relationship by examining, diagnosing, and treating patients in a consensual manner.
• promote shared decision-making and provide care that is accessible, inclusive, and equitable, recognizing the patient’s life experiences, background, and identity.

DEFINITION
The osteopathic physician must demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and responsiveness to all patients with respect to culture, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstances, and mental and physical abilities.

MEASURED OUTCOMES
The osteopathic physician must:

• demonstrate cultural awareness, respect, and responsiveness when communicating with the patient, their support community, and other members of the health care team.
• discuss cultural issues openly and be responsive to culturally based cues, interpreting the implications of symptoms as they are expressed by patients from diverse cultures and circumstances.

DEFINITION
The osteopathic physician must demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical and equitable principles relevant to osteopathic medical practice and research, particularly in the areas of confidentiality of patient information, access to care, regulation of care, provision or withholding of care, and the conduct of research.

MEASURED OUTCOMES
The osteopathic physician must:

• provide appropriate care to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and to minimize needless helplessness or suffering.
• use ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of clinical care, including diagnostic and treatment modalities that are considered futile.