International Journal of Health Sciences

A Research about the Ethical Sensitivity of Healthcare Professionals
Harun Kirilmaz, Mahmut Akbolat, Gulcan Kahraman

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the approach of healthcare professionals in ethical dilemmas and to examine the level of ethical decision-making. Methods: As a means of collecting data, “Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire” was used that was developed by Lutzen and adapted to Turkish by Tosun. The study population consists of healthcare professionals who work in the province of Sakarya and agreed to participate voluntarily. In data analysis, descriptive statistical methods, factor analysis, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA analysis, Tukey test and t-test for independent samples were used. Ethical considerations: Permission to carry out the study was obtained from hospitals under investigation. Questionnaires were distributed to participants and completed ones were sent to the researcher in a sealed envelope. Anonymity and confidentiality of the participants were ensured. Results: According to the findings of the study, there was a positive correlation between the sub-dimensions of the scale. There was no significant difference in ethical behavior of healthcare professionals according to sex, marital status and receiving ethical education or not. It was found significant difference in sub-dimensions of scale according to age, having children or not, profession, working unit, years of service and monthly income. Conclusion: Making ethics committees functional, implementing ethical consultation system, revising ethics education at undergraduate and post graduate levels and giving practical in-service training are proposed to reduce ethical dilemmas of healthcare professionals.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v3n3a7