Professionalism can be a difficult thing to define, as there are many factors that can affect the meaning. Culture, social norms, chosen profession and personal values can all help determine how one defines professionalism (Buyx, Maxwell & Schöne-Seifert, 2008). Though the specific definitions can vary depending on the person, individual who are in the same profession and residing in the same region tend to have similar attributes they find professionalism encompasses. Although professionalism encompasses many qualities, six stand out as being vital in a healthcare profession: accountability, integrity, confidentiality, compassion/caring, respect, and altruism.
Accountability
Accountability has many different facets when talking about professionalism. …show more content…
Respect in the medical field includes respecting patients, colleagues, other staff, and family members. “Respectful individuals are those who serve as a positive example, are fair, appropriate, and believable” (Homisak, 2008, p.172). Being respectful is treating everyone fairly and without prejudice. Part of doing this is respecting others cultures and beliefs, and doing so without judgement (Chandratilake, McAleer & Gibson, 2012). Health care professionals must also respect a patient 's right to privacy, meaning to maintain their modesty and keep them covered as much as possible. Another piece of respect is giving the patient autonomy, or independence in their health care (Chandratilake, McAleer & Gibson, 2012). It may at times feel easier the help patient more than they really need to speed up a process, but it is important to remember that this is their medical care and they need to feel like they have control during …show more content…
170). The simple definition of altruism is putting the needs of others above one’s own. A medical professional should be “competent to help patients and will help with their [the patient] best interests in mind” (Buyx, Maxwell & Schöne-Seifert, 2008, p.759). In the medical field this is especially important as it is absolutely crucial for medical providers to put the welfare of others above their own (Homisak, 2008). This does not mean that anyone should be put at risk of injury for a patient simply that their needs should be considered before our own. For example if a patient 's appointment runs a little late the medical professional should not try to rush through it just so they can get out on time, rather they should stay late to makes sure that patient gets the best care
Accountability
Accountability has many different facets when talking about professionalism. …show more content…
Respect in the medical field includes respecting patients, colleagues, other staff, and family members. “Respectful individuals are those who serve as a positive example, are fair, appropriate, and believable” (Homisak, 2008, p.172). Being respectful is treating everyone fairly and without prejudice. Part of doing this is respecting others cultures and beliefs, and doing so without judgement (Chandratilake, McAleer & Gibson, 2012). Health care professionals must also respect a patient 's right to privacy, meaning to maintain their modesty and keep them covered as much as possible. Another piece of respect is giving the patient autonomy, or independence in their health care (Chandratilake, McAleer & Gibson, 2012). It may at times feel easier the help patient more than they really need to speed up a process, but it is important to remember that this is their medical care and they need to feel like they have control during …show more content…
170). The simple definition of altruism is putting the needs of others above one’s own. A medical professional should be “competent to help patients and will help with their [the patient] best interests in mind” (Buyx, Maxwell & Schöne-Seifert, 2008, p.759). In the medical field this is especially important as it is absolutely crucial for medical providers to put the welfare of others above their own (Homisak, 2008). This does not mean that anyone should be put at risk of injury for a patient simply that their needs should be considered before our own. For example if a patient 's appointment runs a little late the medical professional should not try to rush through it just so they can get out on time, rather they should stay late to makes sure that patient gets the best care