Ethical dilemmas in office practice: physician response and rationale

A survey of black and white family physicians in the District of Columbia is described. The survey provides insight into decision-making processes and the ability to recognize ethical dilemmas in medical practice. Comments were elicited to hypothetical case vignettes typical of ethical conflict in o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the National Medical Association 1985-12, Vol.77 (12), p.999-1007
Main Author: Secundy, M G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude of Health Personnel
District of Columbia
Ethics, Medical
Family Practice
Original Communications
Physician-Patient Relations
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Summary:A survey of black and white family physicians in the District of Columbia is described. The survey provides insight into decision-making processes and the ability to recognize ethical dilemmas in medical practice. Comments were elicited to hypothetical case vignettes typical of ethical conflict in office practice. Findings note physician ability to recognize ethical dilemmas in day-to-day aspects of medical practice. Methods of decision making and rationale for decisions made, however, appear to be inconsistent, nonuniversal, and individualistic without evidence of specific models or criteria. No significant differences were noted between black and white physicians. The need in physician training for clarification and development of criteria is evident.
ISSN:0027-9684