Professionalism in anaesthesiology practice : ethical reflection on the nature of professionalism in anaesthesiology

Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
Anaesthesiologists are well trained and equipped to practise a high standard of care and contribute significantly to positive perioperative outcomes. Professionalism is characterised first by expertise in the clinical skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience internal to the practice of anaesthesiology (or a sub-specialty), and the knowledge, understanding and practice of the professional duties associated with anaesthesiology. Relatively recently it has been realised that more than good training and clinical expertise are required if anaesthesiologists want to practise as true professionals. This requirement relates to personal behaviour and attitudes that can loosely be labelled as moral attributes. The article argues that these moral attributes may best be understood with reference to Aristotle’s notion of virtue ethics—the idea that character and virtue are important in ethics. Though this is the central theme of the article, a more comprehensive picture is provided of what it means to be a professional.
Description
CITATION: De Roubaix, M. 2017. Professionalism in anaesthesiology practice : ethical reflection on the nature of professionalism in anaesthesiology. Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 23(4):79-3, doi:10.1080/22201181.2017.1349412.
The original publication is available at https://www.tandfonline.com
Keywords
Anaesthetic practice, Anesthesiology -- Ethical aspects, Anesthesiologists -- Professional ethics, Professional ethics, Professional practice, Virtue
Citation
De Roubaix, M. 2017. Professionalism in anaesthesiology practice : ethical reflection on the nature of professionalism in anaesthesiology. Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 23(4):79-3, doi:10.1080/22201181.2017.1349412