Why is it important for HFHS to prohibit conflicts of interest?

Prohibiting conflicts of interest is crucial for maintaining trust in the patient care process. When healthcare professionals are free from conflicts, they can make decisions based solely on the best interests of their patients, rather than being influenced by personal profit or outside interests. Trust is a foundational element in healthcare; patients need to believe that the care they receive is based on professional ethics and clinical judgment. When patients trust their providers, they are more likely to adhere to medical advice and engage in their own care processes actively, leading to better health outcomes.

While better teamwork, budget efficiencies, and industry alignment are important aspects of healthcare management, they do not directly address the fundamental issue of trust between patients and caregivers. Ensuring that conflicts of interest are minimized helps uphold the integrity of the patient-provider relationship, thereby reinforcing the effectiveness of the care provided.