Andrew Barlow
School of Medicine
Military Medical Professionalism
In the military medical setting , assessment of professionalism can be difficult when balancing the assessment of the patients needs matched secondly , if not equally , with the needs of the Armed Forces . In practising medicine in austere environments , military medical staff must protect themselves and their patients , with lethal force if needed , which can be an ethical dilemma .
The British Army has developed a set of values and standards that should be followed by all personnel , whether medical or non-medical . The values and standards are taught during initial military training and refreshed annually . They underpin day to day activity , both on and off duty .
Qualitative interviews were used to scope the views of the military staff within a British Forces overseas base which provides medical care for Service Personnel and their dependents . Military staff were asked “ How do we assess professionalism ?” This open- ended question then allowed for a conversation to unfold about professionalism in the military environment .
The values and standards of the British Army are a useful handrail to direct our military professional activity , which must be done in conjunction with providing patient-centred care . This challenge motivates and energises military medical personnel to continue in their role .
Postgraduate Conference 2020 Page 13