Accountability as a Virtue in Medicine: From Theory to Practice

Authors

• John R. Peteet, Harvard Medical School
• Charlotte V.O. Witvliet, Hope CollegeFollow
• Gerrit Glas, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• Benjamin W. Frush, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2023

Publication Source

Philosophy Ethics and Humanities in Medicine

Volume Number

18

Issue Number

1

E-ISSN

17475341

Article Number

1

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

Recommended Citation

Published in: Philosophy Ethics and Humanities in Medicine, Volume 18, Issue 1, December 1, 2023.