Older Policy Papers

2013

The doctor as advocate

The Role of Advocate has been identified as one of the most important duties and responsibilities of each and every doctor. Doctors as professionals are expected to provide the best possible care to patients and to do what they can in the interest of their health.

Child Health October 2012

The health of our children is vital to the social and economic growth of our country. There are many reasons for investing in the health of our children from antenatal health through to teenage years.

The Market Model of Healthcare- Caveat Emptor Apr 2012

Faced with spiralling costs of health care, policy makers are increasingly looking to competition in health care markets in an effort to increase efficiency and quality of care and drive down costs. However health care markets are imperfect markets and the consequences of free competition in health care can conflict with policy goals.

IMO Position Paper on Health Inequalities- March 2012

Ireland has significant levels of health inequalities. Throughout the boom years of the “Celtic Tiger”, these inequalities were evident and since the Recession, these inequalities appear to be worsening. Addressing health and social inequalities is important for our country; it is a long-term undertaking.

IMOPP Advocating for Change April 2011

As the leading representative body for the medical profession, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) is strongly committed to the development of a caring, efficient and effective Health Service. In this context, advocacy is a key activity of the IMO and the Research and Policy Unit conducts research and develops policy on a wide range of Health Service and Societal issues with the aim of influencing Public Policy in a constructive and practical way.

IMOPP Doctor Patient Confidentiality April 2011

Confidentiality is central to trust in the doctor-patient relationship. Doctors diagnose and treat illness based on information given to them by the patient in confidence. Confidentiality is a necessary pre-requisite which allows patients to communicate their symptoms, experience, beliefs, concerns and expectations about their illness and their treatment.