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Communication with the seriously ill: physicians' attitudes in Saudi Arabia
A F Mobeireek1, F A al-Kassimi, S A al-Majid
1King Saud University, Rtyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Physicians in Saudi Arabia often withhold information and make decisions for patients, prioritizing family over patient autonomy in serious illnesses. This study highlights ethical challenges in traditional societies adopting modern medicine.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Sociology of Medicine
- Cross-cultural Healthcare
Background:
- Modern invasive medicine presents ethical challenges in traditional societies.
- Physician attitudes towards patient information sharing and decision-making are crucial in serious illness contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physicians' attitudes regarding patient information sharing and decision-making in Saudi Arabia.
- To explore ethical issues arising from the integration of modern medicine into a traditional society.
Main Methods:
- A self-completion questionnaire was administered to 249 physicians in internal medicine and critical care.
- The study was conducted in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Buraidah in 1993.
Main Results:
- Less than half of physicians (47%) consistently shared diagnosis and prognosis information.
- A majority (75%) preferred discussing serious illness information with relatives over competent patients.
- Physicians' attitudes ranged from passive (25%) to paternalistic (21%), with 47% in a balanced position.
Conclusions:
- Physician-held authority and strong family ties in traditional societies can undermine patient autonomy.
- An attitude shift among physicians is necessary due to evolving ethical principles, medical technology, and public awareness.