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Review
. 2023 Mar 22;18(1):1.
doi: 10.1186/s13010-023-00129-5.

Accountability as a virtue in medicine: from theory to practice

John R Peteet  1 , Charlotte V O Witvliet  2 , Gerrit Glas  3 , Benjamin W Frush  4
Affiliations
Review

Accountability as a virtue in medicine: from theory to practice

John R Peteet et al. Philos Ethics Humanit Med. .

Abstract

Accountability is a norm basic to several aspects of medical practice. We explore here the benefits of a more explicit focus on the virtue of accountability, which as distinct from the state of being held accountable, entails both welcoming responsibility to others and welcoming input from others. Practicing accountably can limit moral distress caused by institutional pressures on the doctor patient relationship. Fostering a mindset that is welcoming rather than resistant to feedback is critical to enhancing a culture of learning. Analysis of failures of accountable practice offers opportunities for improving the delivery of clinical care.

Keywords: Accountability; Accountability as virtue; Healthcare delivery; Medical education; Professionalism; Virtue.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

References

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