The Predictors of Moral Sensitivity Among Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Healthcare Professionalism
• Saudi Arabian Healthcare

Background:

• Advancements in healthcare have introduced complex ethical challenges for providers in Saudi Arabia.
• Limited research exists on healthcare workers' moral sensitivity within the Saudi Arabian context.
• Understanding physicians' moral sensitivity is crucial for addressing ethical dilemmas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the level of moral sensitivity among physicians in Saudi Arabia.
• To identify factors influencing physicians' moral sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 253 physicians at a tertiary hospital.
• The Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ) was utilized, with scores ranging from 30 (high sensitivity) to 210 (low sensitivity).
• Statistical analyses examined relationships between MSQ scores and demographic/professional factors.

Main Results:

• The mean moral sensitivity score was 90.6±19.6, indicating moderate sensitivity.
• Overall moral sensitivity showed significant differences based on age (P=0.049).
• Moral conflict dimension scores varied significantly with age, parental status, ethical committee membership, experience, clinical ranking, and bioethics training. Relational orientation differed by clinical ranking and specialty. Benefit dimension was influenced by ethical committee membership. Bioethics training and ethical committee work positively impacted moral conflict scores.

Conclusions:

• Implementing ethical training for medical students and physicians is recommended to improve moral sensitivity.
• Enhanced moral sensitivity can improve physicians' ability to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively.