AHPRA – Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia

The Medical Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct for Doctors provides detailed guidance on the professional behavior and ethical standards expected of doctors in Australia. Here are the key principles of the code:

  1. Patient Care
    1. Quality and Safety: Prioritize patient safety and quality of care in all medical practices.
    2. Holistic Approach: Consider the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of patients.
    3. Tailored Care: Care should be tailored to the individual patient, taking into account their preferences, needs, and values.
  2. Doctor-Patient Relationship
    1. Trust and Respect: Establish and maintain trust and respect in the doctor-patient relationship.
    2. Informed Consent: Ensure that patients are fully informed and consent to their treatment and care.
    3. Confidentiality: Protect the confidentiality of patient information, only disclosing information for legitimate purposes.
  3. Professionalism
    1. Integrity and Honesty: Exhibit integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in all professional interactions.
    2. Accountability: Be accountable for one’s actions and decisions in a medical context.
    3. Self-care: Recognize the importance of doctors’ own health and well-being on their ability to provide care.
  4. Respect for Colleagues and Other Health Professionals
    1. Collaboration: Engage in collaborative and respectful relationships with colleagues across all healthcare professions.
    2. Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve professional differences with colleagues constructively.
  5. Working within the Limits of Competence
    1. Scope of Practice: Practice within the limits of one’s competence, training, and experience.
    2. Continuous Learning: Engage in lifelong learning and keep skills and knowledge up to date.
  6. Teaching and Research
    1. Ethical Standards: Adhere to ethical standards in both teaching and research, including honesty in scientific research, publication, and sharing of findings.
    2. Consent in Research: Ensure informed consent is obtained for participation in research and educational activities.
  7. Public Health
    1. Health Advocacy: Advocate for the health of patients and the community.
    2. Public Health Emergencies: Respond appropriately in public health emergencies and disasters.
  8. Cultural Safety
    1. Cultural Competence: Understand and respect the cultural needs and contexts of diverse patient groups.
    2. Non-discrimination: Practice without discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other patient attributes.
  9. Risk Management
    1. Patient Safety: Identify, assess, and manage risks to patient safety.
    2. Reporting: Participate in systems for surveillance and monitoring of adverse events and ‘near misses’.
  10. Professional Boundaries
    1. Appropriate Boundaries: Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients.
    2. Exploitative Relationships: Avoid relationships that could exploit the doctor-patient dynamic.
  11. Advertising and Public Statements
    1. Truthful Advertising: Ensure that any advertising is truthful, accurate, and respectful.
    2. Public Communication: Be cautious and professional in public statements or comments.
  12. Conflicts of Interest
    1. Identify and Manage Conflicts: Recognize and transparently manage conflicts of interest that may affect, or be perceived to affect, patient care.
  13. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
    1. Legal Compliance: Understand and comply with the laws and regulations governing medical practice in Australia.

The Code of Conduct serves as a foundational document to guide doctors in making ethical decisions and maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. Adherence to this code is crucial for the trust and integrity of the medical profession and for ensuring the quality and safety of patient care.