Professional standards: interactions between obstetricians and gynecologists and other health professionals.

Ensure that interactions with other health professionals are always respectful and considerate and recognize the skill sets of the other health professionals. Communicate truthfully and sensitively with all other health professionals with whom he/she interacts. Not discriminate when interacting with other health professionals on the grounds of age, race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation or unrelated criminal convictions. Respect the personal boundaries of others including, but not limited to, refraining from making unwanted physical or emotional approaches, protecting personal information, and respecting individual workspace. Treat patients and families with respect and dignity in all discussions with other members of the healthcare team. Not criticize any other health professional in an untruthful, misleading or deceptive manner to patients or other health professionals or the general public. Appropriately acknowledge contributions made by other health professionals to research projects and to other publications. Communicate and cooperate with other health professionals to the full extent necessary to serve the best interests of the patient. Maintain an open and professional relationship with other health professionals by: (1) clear communication, with due regard to privacy and confidentiality; and (2) cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork (to reduce medical error, increase patients’ safety, minimize overuse of resources and optimize the outcomes of care). Not engage in exploitative relationships with other health professionals for emotional, financial, research, educational or sexual purpose. Provide ethical and professional support to other health professionals. Report professional misconduct and insufficientlyskilled practice to the appropriate authorities, respecting the need to avoid unjustly discrediting the reputation of other health professionals. The doctor should also facilitate professional help and care for the other health professional if it is indicated. Act with scrupulous fairness when required to act as an expert commenting on the professional practice and behavior of another health professional. Advocate for the rights and security of each health professional to practice their profession within the law and with protection from interference or intimidation from any source. Not compel another health professional to act contrary to their moral conviction or religious belief, except as required by law and as delineated in FIGO’s position on conscientious objection. Promote professional behavior and help to resolve disputes between health professionals.