BIOETHICS AND PRIMARY CARE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF ETHICAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY NURSES AND PHYSICIANS AT THE FAMILY HEALTH PROGRAM (FHP)

Abstract

Quantitative exploratory study on ethical problems in primary care. The objectives were to identify and check the frequency of ethical problems experienced by nurses and physicians at the Family Health Program. Data collection used a self- applied questionnaire with ethical problems’ generating situations and a four-point scale for occurrence frequency. Professional disrespect to the patient, problems concerning information to patients and families and those related to privacy and confidentiality appeared in all questionnaires, in different degrees. Results show that ethical problems in primary care deal with typical situations in daily care and not dramatic ones. This reinforces the core role of communication and healing skills in primary care professional practice to foster an ethical attitude based on citizenship, solidarity and humanity.

Keywords

• Bioethics
• Primary health care
• Family Health Program
• Humanization of assistance