Work

Moral challenges and understanding of clinical ethics in Tanzanian hospitals: Perspectives of healthcare professionals

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Healthcare professionals encounter many moral challenges in their daily clinical practice. However, there have been few studies on the subject matter in Tanzania. This study aims to provide an account of moral challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Tanzanian hospitals, their understanding of clinical ethics, and the ethics education they have received. Many participants reported receiving some kind of ethics training through formal education and on-the-job training. Some participants understood ethics in healthcare settings as adherence to established laws, regulations, guidelines, procedures, norms, and rules essential in clinical practice. Analysis of the data identified four themes of moral challenges. These challenges are related to 1) decision-making and communication in clinical practice, 2) scarcity of medical resources and prioritization in clinical practice, 3) withdrawal of curative treatment, and 4) conflicts between professional judgment, religious convictions and adherence to alternative treatments. Based on the findings, we suggest a context-sensitive form of clinical ethics training to prepare healthcare professionals to recognize and address these moral challenges.

Source: Developing World Bioethics

DOI: 10.1111/dewb.12467

Authors: Shija Kevin Kuhumba, Bert (A.C) Molewijk, Jan Helge Solbakk, Nandera Ernest Mhando, Trygve Johannes Lereim Sævareid

Institutions: University of Oslo, University of Dar es Salaam

Language: English

Topic: Ethics in medical practice

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,620