Physician health and wellness

摘要

Background Impaired physician health can have a direct impact on patient health care and safety. In the past,nproblems of alcoholism and substance abuse among physicians have received more attention thannother conditions—usually in the form of discipline. While patient safety is paramount, the medicalnprofession may be more successful in achieving the required standards by fostering a culture committednto health and wellness as well as supporting impaired physicians.nObjective To develop ethical guidelines regarding physician health and wellness.nMethods The American Medical Association’s (AMA’s) Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs developednrecommendations based on the AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics, an analysis of relevant Medlineindexednarticles, and comments from experts. The report’s recommendations were adopted as policynof the Association in December 2003.nResults Individually, physicians can promote their personal health and wellness through healthy living habits,nincluding having a personal physician. The medical profession can foster health and wellness if itsnmembers are taught to identify colleagues in need of assistance and initiate appropriate methods ofnintervention, including referrals to physician health programs.nConclusions Physicians whose health or wellness is compromised should seek appropriate help and engage innhonest self-assessment of their ability to practice. The medical profession should provide an environmentnthat helps to maintain and restore health and wellness. Physicians need to ensure that impairedncolleagues promptly modify or cease practice until they can resume professional patient care. Innaddition, physicians may be required to report impaired colleagues who continue to practice despitenreasonable offers of assistance.