How Egyptian Dermatologists Look at Medical Ethics?
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- Category: Vol. 82, March 2014
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How Egyptian Dermatologists Look at Medical Ethics?, IHAB YOUNIS and SHERINE H. ABDELRAHMAN
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The practicing dermatologist today faces many challenges e.g. long working hours, financial difficulties and strict laws and guidelines. The present study aims at providing information about Egyptian dermatologists' attitudes towards medical ethics in this difficult atmosphere.
Design and Setting: This is a cross sectional study using a self-report questionnaire. The study was done during the scholar year 2012-2013 in the Dermatology Department, Benha University.
Subjects and Methods: One hundred dermatologists con-stituted the subjects of this study. They were postgraduate students attending the MSc classes in addition to staff members of the Dermatology Department, Benha University. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups. Subjects answered a question-naire designed by the authors. Questions covered some of the common practice issues concerned with medical ethics.
Results: The study included 23 males and 77 females. Most dermatologists declined to take fees either from poor patients (91%) or from colleagues (95%). Fifty six per cent thought that it is unethical to refer patients to a certain investigation center in return for a benefit from this center. Prescribing an expensive therapy, just to impress a wealthy patient and prescribing a certain drug in return for a benefit from a pharmaceutical company were considered unethical by 56% and 97% respectively. A majority of the sample (92%) said they tell their patients the whole truth about his/her disease. But, 78% opted to do that in indirect words. A sweeping majority rejected discrimination between patients on either socio-economic or religious grounds. Examining the patient in front of a companion was rejected by 87% of the sample and the consent of the patient was considered necessary by 94% of dermatologists before examination in medical classes.
Conclusion: Most results indicate that dermatologists' attitudes towards medical ethics are positive. Females are more attached to medical ethics while age did not have a significant effect.