Assessing Geriatric Medicine Residents' views on Medical Professionalism

Authors
Shima Raeesi 1
Zahra Vahabi 1
Ghazal Shariatpanahi 2
Zahra Shahvari 3
Rezvan Hashemi 1
Helia Tarighatnia 4
Elnaz Asadollahi 5
1 Department of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Psychology, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5 Department of Health Management and Information Sciences, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction

Medical professionalism is one of the key competencies of physicians and the basis of a trust-based relationship between physician and patient. It has become more important with recent advances and challenges in medicine. The present study investigated the attitudes of geriatric medicine residents toward medical professionalism and determined areas of difference.

Materials and Methods

In this qualitative study, the six principles of medical professionalism were presented in the form of a clinical scenario and the residents were asked to read them and discuss one or two question(s). Data were evaluated by content analysis method.

Results

There was no significant difference between the variables of age, sex and stages of the residents and their general attitude toward the principles of medical professionalism. In general, the level of familiarity and attention of participants to the concepts of justice and excellence were lower than other principles.

Conclusion

Despite the positive attitude of the residents to the general concepts of medical professionalism, there is still a serious vacuum in the field of education, assessment and adherence. Medical educators should be more concerned with training in this field. Future studies are needed to help identify the teaching mission.
Keywords
Medical Professionalism
Geriatric Medicine
Professional ethics
Clinical Competence
Evaluation
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