A Comparison of Codes of Ethics Related To Advocacy for Foreign Patients

Hattori K and Gemechis Bereda

Published on: 2021-09-02

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand foreign patients’ advocacy by analyzing and comparing the codes of ethics for healthcare professionals dealing with foreign patients.

Methods: We extracted the clauses directly and indirectly related to advocacy from the Japanese codes of ethics for nurses and doctors, and the codes of ethics for international healthcare interpreters’ organizations in Japan, US, Canada and Australia, to discuss the Japanese codes of ethics for nurses in terms of the advocacy for foreign patients.

Results: The Japanese codes of ethics for doctors describe in the clause relating to respect for advocacy and autonomy that doctors are obligated to sufficiently explain to patients their own opinions about medical behaviors to be done. The Japanese codes of ethics for nurses describe that patients’ autonomy should be respected and the nurses should be advocates for patients. There are descriptions about the role of advocating patients’ rights and the role of explaining the differences in culture and customs in the US codes of ethics for healthcare interpreters. The Japanese codes of ethics for healthcare interpreters do not specify advocacy for patients, but just refer to the role of explaining cultural gaps and state that any opinion or advice should not be added. The Canadian and Australian codes of ethics for healthcare interpreters’ organizations clearly describe that advocacy, instruction and advice should not be added. Considerations when foreign patients cannot understand what the doctors explain, not the nurses but the healthcare interpreters may be in a position of advocates for those foreign patients in some cases. However, some codes of ethics for healthcare interpreters do not specify the conduct as the advocates. This shows insufficient advocacy for foreign patients.