Ethical Issues: Engaging Patients

Abstract

The Institute for Ethics at the American Medical Association initiated the Ethical Force Program in 1997. The purpose of E Force is to develop performance measures for ethical behavior and practices that can be useful throughout the health care system. To date an assessment tool measuring ethical behavior in privacy and confidentiality, and guidelines for ensuring fairness in health care coverage decisions, have been produced. The most recent work in progress addresses patient-centered communication for vulnerable populations, which encounters multiple layers of obligation for organizations and individual health care providers to ensure effective communication to patients. These concerns are summarized.