Behind closed doors: accountability and responsibility in patient care

J Med Philos. 2000 Feb;25(1):28-47. doi: 10.1076/0360-5310(200002)25:1;1-V;FT028.

Abstract

In this paper, I examine the notion of accountability and its historical evolution in health care. Using medical mistakes and adverse patient outcomes as my focus, I examine the interests served by particular models of accountability and argue for a model of collective fiduciary responsibility in U.S. health care today.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • American Medical Association / history
  • Cost Control / history
  • Disclosure
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Moral Obligations
  • Patient Care / economics
  • Patient Care / history*
  • Patient Care / standards
  • Quality of Health Care / history
  • Social Change
  • Social Responsibility*
  • United States