It is becoming increasingly common for patients to encounter non-physician practitioners as members of their health care team. On the other hand, non-physician practitioners are highly trained and have PhDs such as Doctors of Nursing Practice.
To help patients cope with these changes, physicians should clarify their roles and qualifications to other members of the health care team and promote collaboration among all health care professionals. need to take a step forward. AMA Council on Ethical and Legal Matters report adopted by 2022 AMA Interim Meeting.
A central issue is that the skill sets and experience of non-physician practitioners are not the same as those of physicians. Therefore, if a non-physician practitioner identifies as a “physician” consistent with a doctoral-level degree obtained, “it can be confusing and misleading to patients and other practitioners,” the report said. says.
actually, Investigation Run as part of (PDF) The Truth About AMAs in Advertising Campaigns Patients strongly support physician-led health care teams, but many are confused about the level of education and training of medical professionals, and confusion is not limited to non-physicians with PhDs. About one-fifth of people think psychiatrists are not doctors, but a similar number think nurse practitioners are doctors.
of sweet medical ethics This issue is touched upon in an opinion on joint careprovides guidance on the role of physicians in team-based settings where care is provided by a variety of health care professionals.
Communication about the team
To ensure that patients receive the best care and understand who is caring for them, AMA House We revised that opinion to provide advice on transparency in the context of team-based care involving non-physician practitioners.
“Health care teams often include members of multiple health professions, including doctors, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, physical therapists, and care managers,” the amended opinion states. increase. “In order to foster the trust that is essential to the healing relationship between patients and physicians or non-physician practitioners, all members of the team must be open about their professional qualifications, experience, and the role they play in patient care. it won’t.”
In addition, as clinical leaders within the medical team, individual physicians should “communicate appropriately with patients and families while respecting their unique relationship as members of the team,” and “all team members should be aware of themselves.” Make sure you describe the symptoms of the “must have”. profession and role.
At the same time, as leaders in healthcare organizations, physicians, both individually and collectively, must “promote a culture of respect, unity and transparency among all healthcare professionals.”
Read about other 2022 AMA Midterm Highlights.
Patients deserve care led by physicians, the most highly educated, trained and skilled medical professionals.learn how as part of AMA Recovery Plan for American Physiciansthe AMAs are Fighting Inappropriate Scope Expansion that threaten patient safety.
