Akram Izadikhah, Changiz , Niko Yamani, Ibrahim Mirshahjafarey,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Documentation of accepted ethical behavior in special settings is one of the strategies employed to foster ethics in organizations. Such documents, known as codes of ethics, vary in different societies according to their cultural and ideological differences. Medical educators have dual professional roles (as physicians and teachers) that sometimes seem ethically incompatible. Therefore, having codes of ethics is essential in this profession. The aim of this study was to develop codes of ethics for clinical medicine educators with an Islamic-Iranian approach.
This was a three stage developmental research. First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Using content analysis method, the first draft of a code of ethics for clinical medicine educators was prepared. Second, the draft was thoroughly and critically reviewed and revised in experts’ focus group discussion and the 2nd draft was devised. This was further reviewed by a group of 24 experts at the national level (validated) and revised according to their comments, and thus the 3rd draft was prepared to be presented for formal approval process.
The final document includes 55 codes of ethics in 18 topics (conscientiousness, accountability, respectfulness, scientific excellence, respect for others’ freedom, equity, patience, religious commitment, modesty, trustworthiness, humility, contentment, relationship with coworkers, attentiveness toward patients, attentiveness toward learners, kindness, confidentiality, and discipline).
It seems that extracting ethical concepts from the rich Islamic-Iranian cultural resources is feasible, and provides an appropriate basis for the development of ethical codes for medical educators. Compared to Western codes, such codes may be better accepted in Iranian contexts and will be implemented more readily if the organizational settings are prepared simultaneously.
Mina Gaeeni, Hamid Asayesh, Ahmad Parizad, Zahra Abedini,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Clinical education constitutes the cornerstone of nursing education. Enhancing students' theoretical and practical knowledge within the psychiatric department is crucial for improving their attitudes, acceptance, and delivery of care. The outcomes of effective clinical learning encompass the development and refinement of professional competencies, including communication and professional ethics, the cultivation of critical thinking for clinical judgment and decision-making, the enhancement of ethical sensitivity, and the fostering of effective team and group performance. Recognizing the significance of these factors, this study aimed to "explain the experiences of nursing students based on narrative writing-reflection during their first encounter with psychiatric clients." This qualitative study was conducted during the psychiatric nursing internship at the Faculty of Nursing, Qom University of Medical Sciences, over two consecutive semesters. Purposive sampling was employed, and data were collected through 10 semi-structured individual interviews and 2 face-to-face and virtual focus groups (n=5 per group). Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted using a qualitative content analysis approach with the assistance of MAXQDA20 software. The clinical experiences of students during their initial psychiatric nursing training course, as reflected in their narrative writing-reflections, revealed a primary theme: "encouraging ethical and spiritual communication in nursing." This overarching theme encompassed four sub-themes: "enhancing empathetic communication," "enhancing ethical sensitivity," "respecting the dignity of clients," and "listening to the voice of clients' feelings." The experiences gained through the reflective method within the clinical education setting, particularly in specialized clinical environments such as psychiatric wards and during initial encounters with clients in these departments, can provide valuable insights into students' attitudes and perspectives towards these clients and their families. These rich experiences can be effectively utilized to cultivate and strengthen communication and professional ethics among medical science students.
Hoda Ahmari Tehran, Ahmad Mashkoori, Tayebeh Ilaghinezad, Maryam Tajadini,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Research shows that stress in medical students leads to burnout and a loss of respect for patients’ rights. These declines in mood and an increase in malpractice are particularly evident during the internship period. On the other hand, literature highlights the importance of reflective practice in education. This study investigates the effect of using student reflective narratives on observing dignity and respect for patients’ rights in clinical education. A mixed-methods study based on reflective learning theories (Gibbs' Reflective Model) was conducted over 12 months with 48 intern students. In a quasi-experimental design, 38 medical students were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Only students in the intervention group were allowed to engage in conversations with patients and inquire whether they had properly respected the patients’ rights and dignity. The students then reflected on their performances. In the first week, a pretest was conducted in both groups. The intervention group received reflective education and participated in reflection writing during the second and third weeks. In the final week, a post-test was conducted for both groups. To explore students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of reflecting on their performance, a qualitative content analysis was carried out, including 12 semi-structured interviews and 144 reflection notes. The mean scores of students’ performance regarding respect for patients in the intervention group improved significantly in the post-test (12.32 ± 1.21) compared to the pretest (9.85 ± 1.39) (p < 0.05). An independent t-test indicated that the difference in post-test scores between the two groups was significant (p = 0.01). From the interviews, four main themes emerged: improving empathy and understanding patients’ feelings, paying attention to patients’ humanistic dimensions, respecting patients’ autonomy and rights, and promoting interpersonal communication skills. This study demonstrated the positive emotional effects of reflective narrative writing interventions on medical students in observing dignity and respecting patients' rights. It is recommended to incorporate reflective narratives into medical education programs to enhance these qualities.
