Ethical Aspects Considered in Doctor-Patient Relations: Experiences of Anesthesiologists

Abstract

Background and objective: : Ethical principles guide professional conduct, particularly in establishing the doctor-patient relationship and, therefore, require constant reflection. The purpose of this study is to analyze ethical experiences of anesthesiologists in their interaction with the patient under their care. Method: This was an exploratory study involving 16 active anesthesiologists at a university hospital in João Pessoa, Paraíba. We collected data through semi-structured interviews and analyzed qualitatively using the content analysis technique. Results: The study findings show that the classification of ethical experiences of the study participants regarding the doctor-patient relationship were classified into five categories: respect for the patient, humane treatment, equal treatment, professional secrecy, and respect for patient autonomy. Conclusion: We conclude that respondents recognize the ethical and humanistic values that should guide the relationship with their patients. Keywords: Ethics, Professional, Anesthesiology, Bioethics, Physician-Patient Relations