Practitioners associated with the International Organization of Integrated Health Practitioners (IOIHP) should take a series of pledges to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, safety, and patient well-being. These pledges serve as ethical guidelines and commitments to ensure that practitioners provide care that is both effective and safe. Here are some essential pledges that IOIHP practitioners should consider:

  1. Commitment to Patient-Centred Care:

“I pledge to prioritise the best interests of my patients at all times. I will engage in thinking about the best care, respect their values and preferences, and provide care that is focused on their unique needs and well-being.”

  1. Ethical Practice:

“I pledge to maintain the highest ethical standards in my practice. I will act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all my interactions with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare community. I pledge to ethically and responsibly integrate complementary therapies into patient care, always considering their safety and potential benefits, and avoiding practices that lack scientific validation.”

  1. Safety and Do No Harm:

“I pledge to prioritize patient safety above all else. I will practice within the scope of my training and expertise, avoiding practices that may cause harm or discomfort to my patients.”

  1. Informed Consent:

“I pledge to obtain informed consent from my patients for all treatments and interventions. I will ensure that they have a clear understanding of the risks, benefits, and alternatives before proceeding with any care.”

  1. Evidence-Based Practice:

“I pledge to base my clinical decisions on the best available evidence. I will critically evaluate research and clinical guidelines to provide care that is evidence-based and effective.”

  1. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Care:

“I pledge to collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers involved in the care of my patients. I recognise the value of interdisciplinary teamwork in achieving optimal health outcomes.”

  1. Confidentiality and Privacy:

“I pledge to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of my patients’ health information. I will adhere to all applicable laws and regulations regarding patient data protection.”

  1. Accountability and Transparency:

“I pledge to take responsibility for my actions and decisions in patient care. I will openly communicate with patients if any adverse events occur and work towards resolution.”

  1. Non-Discrimination:

“I pledge to respect and embrace the cultural diversity of my patients. I will provide care that is culturally sensitive, acknowledging and respecting their beliefs, traditions, and values. I pledge not to discriminate against any patient based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or any other characteristic. I will provide equitable care to all.”

  1. Self-Care and Well-Being:

“I pledge to prioritise my own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By taking care of myself, I can better serve my patients and maintain the highest standards of care. I pledge to practice mindfulness and self-care to maintain my own well-being. A healthy and balanced practitioner is better equipped to provide quality care to patients.”

  1. Advocacy for Patient Rights:

“I pledge to advocate for the rights and interests of my patients, both individually and collectively. I will work to ensure that they receive appropriate care and have a voice in their healthcare decisions.”

  1. Professional Boundaries:

“I pledge to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with my patients. I will avoid any behaviour that may compromise the trust and safety of the therapeutic relationship.”

  1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

“I pledge to adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and licensing requirements governing my practice. I will strive to meet and exceed the legal and ethical standards of my profession.”

  1. Transparency in Communication:

“I pledge to maintain clear and honest communication with my patients. I will provide them with understandable information about their conditions, treatment options, and progress, fostering trust and informed decision-making. I pledge to create a safe and healing environment in my healthcare practice. Patients should feel comfortable, respected, and supported during their healthcare journey.”

  1. Prevention and Health Promotion:

“I pledge to actively engage in preventive healthcare and health promotion. I will educate my patients on healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and early detection to empower them in taking proactive steps toward well-being.”

  1. Responsiveness to Patient Feedback:

“I pledge to actively seek and respond to patient feedback. I will use their input to continuously improve the quality of care I provide and address any concerns promptly and professionally.”

  1. Compassionate Care:

“I pledge to approach my patients with compassion, empathy, and respect. I understand the importance of the human connection in healing and will provide care that acknowledges the emotional aspects of health.”

  1. Personal Responsibility:

“I pledge to take personal responsibility for my professional growth and development. I will actively seek mentorship, peer support, and self-assessment to enhance my skills and knowledge. I pledge to engage in lifelong learning and professional development. I will stay current with the latest research, guidelines, and best practices to provide the highest quality care to my patients.”

 

  1. Self-Reflection and Improvement:

“I pledge to engage in regular self-reflection and self-assessment to identify areas for improvement in my practice. I will seek opportunities for professional development to provide better care.”

  1. Promoting Wellness beyond Disease Management:

“I pledge to promote wellness as a lifelong pursuit, extending beyond disease management. My focus will be on helping patients achieve optimal health and vitality.”

  1. Resilience and Adaptability:

“I pledge to remain resilient and adaptable in the face of healthcare challenges and uncertainties. My commitment to continuous improvement ensures that I provide the best possible care to my patients.”

  1. Ethical Business Practices:

“I pledge to maintain ethical business practices in my healthcare practice. I will ensure transparency in billing, pricing, and financial arrangements with patients to foster trust and integrity.”

  1. Accountability to Professional Bodies:

“I pledge to uphold the standards and principles set forth by my professional associations and regulatory bodies. I recognise the importance of accountability to maintain the trust of my patients and colleagues.”

  1. Community Engagement:

“I pledge to actively engage with my local community to address healthcare needs and promote health education. By participating in community outreach, I can contribute to the well-being of the community as a whole.”

  1. Research and Contribution:

“I pledge to contribute to the advancement of healthcare knowledge through helping research, publications, and sharing of clinical experiences. My contributions can benefit the broader healthcare community.”

  1. Cultural Competence Training:

“I pledge to seek cultural competence training to better understand and serve patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring that their healthcare is culturally sensitive and respectful.”

  1. Advocacy for Integrative Healthcare:

“I pledge to advocate for the recognition and integration of complementary and alternative therapies in modern healthcare systems. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can expand access to these valuable options.”

By agreeing to these pledges, I promise to watch my professional conduct and play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare that values the holistic well-being of individuals and communities.