| Perceived difficulties in managing ethical problems in family practice in Slovenia: cross-sectional study. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19090605 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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AIM: To determine the prevalence of difficulties in managing ethical dilemmas in family practice. METHODS: The study included a random sample of 259 family medicine physicians, representing 30% of the population of family physicians in Slovenia. Participants were given a self-administered questionnaire on perceived ethical dilemmas in their practice, with responses on a 5-point scale and a maximum score of 100. The main outcome measure was the percentage of family physicians reporting difficulties in solving perceived ethical dilemmas. RESULTS: The response rate was 55%. Physicians reported having difficulties in solving ethical dilemmas often or very often (mean score+/-standard deviation, 56.1+/-12.1). The most difficult ethical issue included abandoned and unattended patients and patients with insufficient means of support (48.6%), followed by suspicion of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or other criminal behavior (40.9%), and use of limited health care resources (21.1%). Female physicians reported greater difficulties in solving ethical dilemmas than male physicians (57.7+/-10.6 vs 53.0+/-14.1, P=0.036, t test). Older physicians solved ethical issues more easily than younger ones (53.9+/-12.6 vs 58.2+/-11.2, P=0.043, t test). Specialists and residents in family medicine considered solving ethical dilemmas to be more difficult than general practitioners without specialization (57.3+/-11.6 vs 47.1+/-11.8, P=0.001, t test). Multivariate regression analysis of physician and practice characteristics did not yield any significant model to explain the differences in the perceived level of difficulties in solving ethical dilemmas. CONCLUSION: Although managing ethical dilemmas is an important part of daily work of family physicians in Slovenia, it is perceived as a considerable burden in their work. Family physicians need more training in addressing and managing ethical issues. |
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Authors:
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Zalika Klemenc-Ketis; Janko Kersnik; Janja Ojstersek |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Croatian medical journal Volume: 49 ISSN: 1332-8166 ISO Abbreviation: Croat. Med. J. Publication Date: 2008 Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2008-12-18 Completed Date: 2009-03-30 Revised Date: 2009-11-18 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9424324 Medline TA: Croat Med J Country: Croatia |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 799-806 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Kersnikova cesta 1, Velenje, Slovenia. zalika.klemenc-ketis@uni-mb.si |
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Cross-Sectional Studies Family Practice / ethics* Female Humans Male Middle Aged Physicians, Family / psychology Problem Solving* Questionnaires Slovenia Young Adult |
| Comments/Corrections | |
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