Comparing the Ethical Sensitivity of Medical Residents with Surgical Residents of SBMU in 2016-17

Abstract

Introduction: Ethical sensitivity is one of the components of the professional competence, which leads medical education institute to pay more attention to achievement of the goal. This study intends to compare the ethical sensitivity of internal medicine residents with that of surgery residents. Methods: The participants were briefed on the goals of the study. Their participation was voluntary and the Data were gathered confidentially. Results: In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were distributed among 218 Residents of internal medicine and surgery working in different teaching hospitals of Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU); 215 residents completed the questionnaire. The participants answered a validated Persian version of Lutzen’s ethical sensitivity questionnaire.. Conclusion: Most residents had a moderate ethical sensitivity and no meaningful difference was found between juniors and seniors, and residents of internal medicine and surgery. If further improvements of ethical sensitivity in residents are intended, a well-planned evidence-based educational intervention is needed.

Keywords

• ethical sensitivity
• internal medicine residents
• surgery residents