Section 4: Ethics of masseur-physiotherapists

Once they have agreed to respond to a request, the masseur-physiotherapist personally undertakes to provide the patient with conscientious, attentive care based on the latest scientific knowledge.

The masseur-physiotherapist always makes his diagnosis with the utmost care, using as far as possible the most appropriate scientific methods and, if necessary, appropriate competitions.

The masseur-physiotherapist formulates his prescriptions with all necessary clarity, ensures that they are understood by the patient and those around him and endeavours to ensure that they are carried out correctly.

The masseur-physiotherapist, within the limits of his competence, must provide the person he is examining, treating or advising with fair, clear and appropriate information about his condition and the care he is proposing. Throughout the course of the illness, he shall take account of the patient’s personality in his explanations and ensure that they are understood.

The consent of the person being examined or treated is sought in all cases. When the patient, able to express his/her wishes, refuses the proposed treatment, the physiotherapist will respect this refusal after informing the patient of the consequences and, with the patient’s agreement, the prescribing doctor. If the patient is unable to express his or her wishes, the physiotherapist may not intervene unless the designated trusted support person or…

In all circumstances, the masseur-physiotherapist endeavours to relieve the patient’s suffering by means appropriate to his condition and provides moral support.

The masseur-physiotherapist helps to ensure, through appropriate care and measures, the quality of a life that is coming to an end, safeguards the patient’s dignity and comforts those around him or her. They do not have the right to deliberately provoke death.

The masseur-physiotherapist may not advise or propose to the patient or their family, as being beneficial or without danger, a product or procedure which is illusory or insufficiently tested. Any practice of charlatanism is prohibited.

The masseur-physiotherapist must refrain from exposing the patient to any unjustified risk in the procedures he/she performs or in the medical devices he/she prescribes.