The Practice Guide
If a physician knows that he or she has a serious condition that could be passed on to patients , or that his or her judgment or performance could be significantly affected by a condition or illness , or its treatment , that physician should seek professional advice about ongoing clinical practice .
3 . Collegiality Collegiality is cooperative interaction between colleagues . The collegiality of relationships can affect the comprehensiveness and continuity of care patients receive , particularly through the referral and consultation processes . For this reason , physicians should be collegial in their dealings with one another . Mutual trust , respect , and knowledge of each other ’ s expertise , skills and responsibilities are all important to establishing collegial relationships .
This is not to say that collegiality may be used to mask ineffective or inappropriate practice , or to protect incompetent or incapacitated physicians . Rather , physicians should accept and support meaningful peer evaluation as a mechanism for upholding the standards of the profession .
Collegiality also fosters cooperation as a profession . At times , it is as a unified voice that physicians can best advance their patients ’ interests . Physicians should support each other not only individually , but should also , collectively , support the profession in working for the public interest .
Physicians should enter into professional associations and collaborations only if , in doing so , they can maintain professional integrity and safeguard the interests of their patients .
MANAGING CONFLICTING DUTIES
Conflict among the duties outlined in the guide is inevitable . When conflict arises , you should first refer to the fundamental values that ground the principles and duties that follow . For example , if there is a conflict between a physician ’ s obligation to a patient and the obligation to the system ( e . g ., efficiency ), the profession ’ s commitment to the value of altruism makes it clear that the patient should always come first .
Conflicts will not always involve a clear choice between values , instead requiring a balancing of duties and values to determine the best way to proceed . Consultation with colleagues , the College and / or the CMPA or other insurance provider is often the best way to work through these issues .
To remain responsive , the College welcomes your feedback on the guide and the policies it frames , all of which are available online at www . cpso . on . ca .
Top Twelve Policies
• Medical Records
• Accepting New Patients
• Consent to Treatment
• Confidentiality of Personal Health Information
• Delegation of Controlled Acts
• Ending the Physician-Patient Relationship
• Block Fees and Uninsured Services
• Prescribing Drugs
• Maintaining Appropriate Boundaries and Preventing Sexual Abuse
• Third Party Reports
• Test Results Management
• Mandatory and Permissive Reporting
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