Patricia Hernández participates in Webinar on Bioethics and Patient Safety

In this webinar, it was highlighted that the doctor-patient relationship is essential to avoid negligent acts and guarantee ethical and responsible care.

On June 4, 2024, Patricia Hernández Valdez, academic at the School of Bioethics, was invited to participate as a speaker in the Webinar on Bioethics and Patient Safety, organized by the AESCULAP ​​Mexico Academy Foundation.

Professor Hernández, who is a Doctorate in Applied Bioethics, a Master and Specialist in Bioethics from the Universidad Anáhuac México, as well as a Graduate in Psychology from the same institution, offered an outstanding presentation on access to health and the application of bioethical principles in patient safety. 

Also, Jorge A. Pérez Castro y Vázquez, Surgeon, with specialization in General Surgery, and president of the Patient Safety Commission, and Enrique Mendoza Carrera, Biochemist, with studies, with a specialty in Hematology, Immuno-hematology, Psychoanalysis as well as a Master's and Doctorate in Philosophy, shared the discussion panel.

During her presentation, the guest addressed the importance of applying the principles of bioethics: justice, beneficence, non-maleficence and autonomy, in medical practice. These principles, established in the Geneva Convention, are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. However, she emphasized that these principles are not absolute and must be applied recognizing the dignity of both patients and other health professionals involved in their care. 

She also stressed that a medical act is punishable when there is negligence, that is, when the appropriate standard of care is not met. This includes serious medical errors that cause physical or psychological harm, lack of informed consent, illegal practices, and abuse or neglect of patients. She noted that all of these precautionary principles are crucial and, except in cases of abuse or neglect, the other points do not carry a negative intent. 

Emphasizing the ethical relevance of human acts in medicine, Paty Hernández highlighted that the doctor-patient relationship is essential to avoid negligent acts and guarantee ethical and responsible care.