Assessing Staff Adherence to Ethical Guidelines in Patient Care: A Multidisciplinary Perspective across Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Social Work

Authors: Shahad H. Almaqary, Mada A. Alanizi, Mohammed A. Khafaji, Nouf A. Al Anazi, Saud D Almalki, Mesfer Al-Ahmari

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14013224

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8pqtn

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Adherence to ethical guidelines is critical in multidisciplinary healthcare settings, where collaboration among professionals from different fields presents unique ethical challenges. This study aimed to assess how physiotherapists, pharmacists, dentists, and social workers in a tertiary hospital adhere to their respective ethical guidelines and to explore the common ethical dilemmas they face.

Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted, combining a survey (n=100) to measure ethical adherence across five domains—consent, confidentiality, professional boundaries, decision-making, and conflict resolution—with semi-structured interviews (n=20) to explore ethical challenges in depth. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Overall adherence to ethical guidelines was high across all professions, with no significant differences between groups. However, qualitative findings revealed challenges in maintaining professional boundaries, ensuring confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and resolving conflicts in multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication and respect for professional expertise were identified as key factors in overcoming ethical dilemmas.

Conclusion: While multidisciplinary teams generally maintain high ethical standards, the complexity of shared decision-making and role overlap presents ongoing ethical challenges. Addressing these requires improved communication strategies, institutional support, and continuous ethics training.

Keywords: Ethical Adherence, Multidisciplinary Care, Professional Boundaries, Confidentiality, Informed Consent, Conflict Resolution, Healthcare Ethics.

Paper Id: 231452

Published On: 2018-01-02

Published In: Volume 6, Issue 1, January-February 2018

Cite This: Assessing Staff Adherence to Ethical Guidelines in Patient Care: A Multidisciplinary Perspective across Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Social Work - Shahad H. Almaqary, Mada A. Alanizi, Mohammed A. Khafaji, Nouf A. Al Anazi, Saud D Almalki, Mesfer Al-Ahmari - IJIRMPS Volume 6, Issue 1, January-February 2018. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14013224

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