(1) An Upgraded Hippocratic Oath Is Needed In The Digital And A.I. Era | LinkedIn

The Hippocratic Oath is the most famous text in Western medicine. It constitutes the ethical basis of the medical profession. For centuries, it has provided an overview of the principles of this noble mission and doctors’ professional behaviour. At the dawn of a new era in medicine, it is high time to rewrite the Oath so that it would reflect the state of technological development, changes in social structures and in general, the requirements of the 21st century.

What is the Hippocratic Oath?

Used by many medical schools at graduation ceremonies, the medical profession adopted the Oath of Hippocrates as its ethical code of conduct centuries ago. That’s not a mere chance. The text articulates perfectly what the noble profession of being a doctor entails and in a compact overview takes a side in every major ethical issue a physician might encounter during their career.

Only a few know that although the oath bears the name of Hippocrates, the well-known Greek physician, there is no evidence that he wrote it. It is claimed that the document was created 100 years after his death; still some 2500 years ago.

The intimacy of a doctor patient encounter has changed since telehealth, electronic medical records have increased social distancing in the past 20 years.  Many people now have access to the medical record, given implied consent to perform their duties.  Can patients still be assured of their privacy and confidentiality of the visit with their physician(s)?  What do physicians think of the HIPPOCRATIC OATH?  As in other modern interpretations of oaths and features of the U.S. Constitution the interpretation varies widely among today's physicians. Some (few) take it's meaning literally.  Others have been influenced by bureaucracy, regulations and common peer behavior to abandon it's meaning as written by our forefathers Upon graduation, many medical students take a modern version of the oath written by Louis Lasagna in 1964.  

MODERN VERSION.  Upon graduation, many medical students take a modern version of the oath written by Louis Lasagna in 196

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CLASSICAL VERSION

The bottom line for patients is do your trust your physician, and will he keep your innermost secrets, sins and indiscretions.  Most will, and will not include any specifics in the electronic medical records. It is up to you to instruct him to not include that which  you do not want passed along.  Most will do so.

Digital Health Space advises. you to not disclose sensitive information on a telehealth visit, nor to an assistant.

Our message to you, get vaccinated against Covid 19 and have a Happy and safe New Year, 2022

1) An Upgraded Hippocratic Oath Is Needed In The Digital And A.I. Era | LinkedIn