The principles of patient welfare, patient autonomy, and social justice are central to the Physician Charter.
Principle of primacy of patient welfare
- Principles of patient welfare and social justice are central to the right to health and medical professionalism
- Patient welfare includes the importance of providing patient-centered care. This can include the notion of a ‘medical home’ in which patients and doctors have an ongoing relationship with mutual understanding and trust. Patients have better access to health care, are more satisfied with the care they receive, and their health improves.
- Physicians provide the right care to the right patient at the right time.
Principle of patient autonomy
- Physicians must have respect for patient autonomy.
- Physicians must be honest with their patients and empower them to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Principle of social justice
- The medical profession must promote justice in the health care system, including the fair distribution of resources.
- Physicians should work actively to eliminate discrimination in health care, whether based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, or any other social category.
