Ethical Dilemmas in Patient Consent for Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures: Balancing Autonomy and Professional Responsibility

Authors: Mada A. Alanizi, Norah Y. Alsulaiman, Lamia K. Albugami, Fay A. Alkhuredly, Johara A. Almutairi, Ahmed A. Shareefi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14013058

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8pqqr

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Obtaining informed consent in multidisciplinary healthcare settings presents unique ethical challenges, as professionals from different disciplines must balance patient autonomy with their responsibility to ensure optimal care. This study explores the ethical dilemmas faced by radiologists, dentists, physiotherapists, nurses, and laboratory specialists in a tertiary hospital when obtaining consent for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 50 healthcare professionals across five disciplines. Thematic analysis was used to identify key ethical challenges related to informed consent.

Results: Key findings highlighted the challenges of fragmented communication, the tension between patient autonomy and professional responsibility, and the difficulty in ensuring patient understanding. A lack of interdisciplinary coordination in the consent process was identified as a major contributor to patient confusion and ethical dilemmas.

Conclusion: The study recommends the development of multidisciplinary consent protocols, improved interdisciplinary communication, and ongoing ethics training to address these ethical challenges. These strategies will enhance patient understanding and improve the quality of informed consent in complex healthcare settings.

Keywords: Informed consent, multidisciplinary care, patient autonomy, professional responsibility, ethical dilemmas, healthcare communication.

Paper Id: 231443

Published On: 2021-09-07

Published In: Volume 9, Issue 5, September-October 2021

Cite This: Ethical Dilemmas in Patient Consent for Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures: Balancing Autonomy and Professional Responsibility - Mada A. Alanizi, Norah Y. Alsulaiman, Lamia K. Albugami, Fay A. Alkhuredly, Johara A. Almutairi, Ahmed A. Shareefi - IJIRMPS Volume 9, Issue 5, September-October 2021. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14013058

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