Healthcare Ethics and Law Knowledge Among Doctors and Nurses in Barbados
Author Information
Author(s): Hariharan Seetharaman, Jonnalagadda Ramesh, Walrond Errol, Moseley Harley
Primary Institution: School of Clinical Medicine & Research, The University of the West Indies, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados, West Indies
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals in Barbados regarding healthcare ethics and law.
Conclusion
The study highlights the need to identify professionals indifferent to ethical and legal issues and to provide appropriate training.
Supporting Evidence
- 52% of senior medical staff and 20% of senior nursing staff knew little of the law pertinent to their work.
- 11% of doctors did not know the contents of the Hippocratic Oath.
- 29% of doctors and 37% of nurses had no knowledge of an existing hospital ethics committee.
- Physicians had a stronger opinion than nurses regarding adherence to patients' wishes and confidentiality.
Takeaway
Doctors and nurses in Barbados often face ethical and legal problems, but many don't know enough about the laws and ethics that guide their work.
Methodology
A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to healthcare staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards healthcare ethics and law.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported knowledge and attitudes.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent all healthcare professionals in Barbados as it was limited to one hospital.
Participant Demographics
47% physicians and 53% nurses, with varying levels of experience and gender ratios.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website