Knowledge of physicians in the state of Sao Paulo regarding the Code of Medical Ethics

Abstract

In force since April 13, 2010, the Brazilian Code of Medical Ethics (CEM) updated the 1988 document, improved the writing of articles, inserted new contexts and highlighted the fundamental principles of ethics. The article, besides addressing historical aspects and considerations on the new Code of Ethics, concludes that there was wide acceptance by doctors, strengthening its usefulness as a source of permanent consultation. One year after starting to be effective, CEM was already part of doctors’ daily routine, with everyone being aware of its publication and most of them would already have consulted the code three times in average, according to primary survey data carried out by the Regional Medicine Council of São Paulo State, analyzed by the authors.