Level of knowledge of bioethics and professional responsibility in dentistry, medicine, and kinesiology

Abstract

Increasing access to health-related information and high expectations regarding outcomes have led to a rise in malpractice claims, making it necessary to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge of bioethics and informed consent.

Objective: Increasing access to health information and high expectations regarding outcomes have led to a rise in malpractice claims, making it necessary to assess knowledge of bioethics and informed consent among health professionals. The objective was to describe the knowledge and perceptions of bioethics and professional responsibility among students, graduates, and faculty members of Dentistry, Medicine, and Kinesiology at a university in Entre Ríos, Argentina.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. A validated questionnaire was administered to 206 participants via Google Forms®. The analysis included descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. The analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Cronbach's alpha.

Results: The application of an instrument investigating knowledge and perceptions of bioethics and informed consent yielded 206 valid responses, exceeding the minimum sample size required for statistical validity. This represents 17% of the population of teachers and students from the three degree programs. Cronbach's alpha was 0.739. The average ages were 24 years for students, 44 for faculty members, and 34 for graduates.Fifty percent (50%) were unaware of the existence of their profession's code of ethics. Seventy percent (70%) have malpractice insurance, but only 40% know the age of patient autonomy (16 years). Individuals under 30 years of age attributed less relevance to bioethics (p < 0.02).

Conclusions:There is a heterogeneous pattern of knowledge, with significant deficits in specific regulatory aspects, especially among the younger population. The need to strengthen continuing education in ethics and professional responsibility is reinforced.