title: [The responsibility of the physician in preventing harm].
abstract: "Being responsible" means to assume the decision, the organization, the accomplishment and the consequences of its own behavior. This is true for a person disposing of his freewill. Every physician is responsible for the specific act he undertakes. He is free to make decisions, and should act according to the scientific data currently admitted. A specific diagnosis is not a must to perform a medical procedure, which should be accomplished with the smallest error margin. Its results cannot be guaranteed, other than surgery performed for cosmetic purposes. Facing his conscience, the physician has a great responsibility. He is also responsible for his acts towards the law. This is true in cases of presumptive harm, and when a complaint is lodged with either a civil or a penal court. A disciplinary procedure can be undertaken by the Order of physicians. The civil court should be privileged, to enable better financial compensation for the victim. The presumption of guilt and the pre-established condemnation of the physician should be avoided by initiating a real trust status with the patient, and providing better clinical information. The latter should be honest, sincere, understandable, and precise. The consent of the patient should be obtained.
authors.affiliation: Centre Saint-Elie, Bloc C. Antélias, Liban. adejouamf@terra.net.lb
authors.forename: Adel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abou-Mrad
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010819:Physician's Role