What should healthcare professionals maintain to ensure they act ethically?

Healthcare professionals should maintain a set of core values to ensure they act ethically. Core values serve as guiding principles that help healthcare providers navigate complex situations and make decisions that prioritize patient welfare, equity, integrity, and respect for all individuals. These values shape the professional conduct of healthcare workers, informing their interactions with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system as a whole.

By relying on core values, healthcare professionals are better equipped to face ethical dilemmas and uphold standards that foster trust and safety in the patient-provider relationship. Maintaining strong ethical standards ultimately contributes to the overall effectiveness and integrity of the healthcare system. In contrast, focusing on profitability, personal biases, or strict adherence to outdated practices can lead to compromised patient care and ethical violations.