MEDICAL ETHICS IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY; KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR HOSPITALS OF GILGIT.
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Keywords
Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Ethics, Healthcare professionals, Gilgit, Informed Consent, Communication, Training
Abstract
Background: Professional ethics in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is the disciplined study of morality, where professionals face various moral challenges often involving the well-being of both mother and fetus, particularly in resource-limited settings like Gilgit. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to medical ethics of Obstetrics / Gynaecology in public and private sector hospitals of Gilgit, by identifying gaps in ethical practice and need for structured training.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted involving 96 health-care professionals, including consultants, post-graduate trainees, medical officers, nurses, and LHVs/mid-wives related to Ob-Gyn department of four hospitals in Gilgit. The data was collected using a self-structured administered questionnaire via non-probability convenience sampling technique. Statistical analysis was done using spss 20, with chi-square tests to identify significant associations.
Results: Demographic roles played a significant role in ethical decision-making including age, job-role, years of experience and sector in which professionals work. Older participants were more likely linked with the participation in medical ethics, while job-roles influenced the management of end-of-life decisions. 51% of the respondents were reported to take informed consent, while 69% encountering cultural hindrance in decision-making. Mothers’ safety was prioritized over the unborn baby by 72%, while 64 % of participants faced difficulty in breaking bad news. Despite these challenges, only one-third 33% had attended communication workshops, highlighting a gap in preparedness. The need of ethical training required more attention drawn to it especially in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Conclusion: This study highlights the complex relationship between demographic and workplace factors in shaping ethical practices in Ob/Gyn. It demonstrates the importance of various factors like securing informed consent, breaking bad news, managing end-of-life decisions, and their relationship with ethics. Addressing these gaps will play a crucial role in developing the infrastructure of healthcare delivery in Gilgit.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Nazneen Iqbal
MBBS, MRCOG (UK), FRCOG (UK), Head of department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Regional Head Quarter Hospital (RHQ), Gilgit.
Ayesha Aftab Mirza
MBBS, Graduate of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad.
Eman Nadeem
Student of Women Medical College, Abbottabad.
Usman Iqbal
Student of Sahara Medical College, Narowal.