Communication and Ethics in the Clinical Examination

Sharon Onguti; Sherine Mathew; Christine Todd

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.12.010

Communication and Ethics in the Clinical Examination

Med Clin North Am. 2018 May;102(3):485-493. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2017.12.010.

Authors

Sharon Onguti¹, Sherine Mathew², Christine Todd²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, SIU Medicine, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, 801 North Rutledge, PO Box 19628, Springfield, IL 62794-9628, USA. Electronic address: sharon.onguti@gmail.com.
² Department of Internal Medicine, SIU Medicine, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, 801 North Rutledge, PO Box 19628, Springfield, IL 62794-9628, USA.

PMID: 29650070
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2017.12.010

Abstract

At the heart of every effective patient-physician interaction is a relationship that is built on trust. Cultivating sound communication skills coupled with the awareness and application of ethical principles is integral to this process. One of the foremost challenges in competent practice is negotiating situations that arise at the bedside when such issues as patient autonomy, differing world views, honesty, and cost stewardship come into conflict. It is essential for health care providers to consider how to detect and prioritize these issues as they advocate for high-quality and patient-centered care.

Keywords: Autonomy; Beneficence; Clinical examination; Communication; Ethics; Physical examination.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Communication
Humans
Informed Consent
Patient-Centered Care / methods*
Personal Autonomy
Physical Examination / ethics*
Physical Examination / standards
Physician-Patient Relations*
Trust