Knowledge of bioethical principles and elements of responsibility in radiology

Abstract

Introduction: Radiologists’ participation in diagnosis and interventional therapeutic procedures has bioethical implications and professional responsibilities. We determined the level of knowledge of bioethical principles and elements of responsibility of radiologists and residents in public and private institutions in Mexico. Material and Methods: We conducted a digital survey to assess the level of knowledge of bioethical principles (beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice), and elements of responsibility. A low-level score was 0 to 9 points; a medium level, 10 to 13 points; and a high level, 14 to 22 points. Responsibility elements included appropriate imaging examination, informed consent, patient protection, radiologic reporting, patient and attending physician communication, continuous education, and continuous quality improvement. A low level of knowledge was 6 to 13 points; a medium level, 14 to 16 points, and a high level, 17 to 29 points. Results: We included a total of 228 participants,104 (45.6%) radiologists and 124 (54.4%) residents. A medium level of knowledge of bioethical principles was the most frequent in 55 (52.9%) radiologists and 75 (60.5%) residents. There was no statistically significant difference between levels. Residents had higher levels of knowledge of responsibility (n = 49, 39.5%) than radiologists (n = 26, 25.0%). Radiologists had low and medium (n = 39, 37.5%) in each level; in contrast to low (n = 36, 29.0%) and medium levels (n = 39, 31.5%) in residents. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Conclusion: A medium level of knowledge of bioethical principles and elements of responsibility in radiologists and residents of public and private institutions was found. This study is the first in Mexico that presents information about radiology specialists.

Keywords

• Principlism. Principle-Based. Ethics. Bioethics. Elements of responsibility. Radiology.