Ethical Awareness and Practices Among Emergency Department Personnel in Riyadh’s Tertiary Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Introduction Ethical dilemmas in healthcare, particularly in emergency medical services (EMS), present significant challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs), necessitating a profound understanding of ethics and decision-making. This study assesses the ethical awareness and practices among HCWs in emergency departments of tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia, aiming to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 256 HCWs, including physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, in emergency departments across tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire evaluated participants’ knowledge of healthcare ethics, their experiences with ethical dilemmas, and the sources from which they derived their ethical understanding. Results The majority of participants exhibited a commendable level of ethical knowledge and practice, with frequent encounters of ethical or legal issues highlighting the pervasive nature of ethical challenges in emergency healthcare settings. Key sources of ethical knowledge included experiential learning and academic lectures, with a notable emphasis on practical experience. Despite the satisfactory level of ethical awareness, areas requiring further educational focus were identified, emphasizing the need for enhanced ethics training tailored to the emergency medical context. Discussion The findings underline the critical importance of incorporating ethics into the core of healthcare education and ongoing professional development for HCWs. Establishing a culture of continuous ethical dialogue and learning is essential for fostering patient-centered care and making informed ethical decisions in the fast-paced environment of emergency services. The study advocates for revising current ethics training programs to ensure they are comprehensive, relevant, and accessible, preparing HCWs to effectively address both current and future ethical challenges.

Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Vision 2030’s Impact

“…Despite the significant strides made under Vision 2030, it is imperative to recognize existing gaps within the current healthcare system. Areas such as mental health services, chronic disease management, and healthcare accessibility in remote regions remain underdeveloped, indicating the necessity for ongoing efforts to broaden the scope of healthcare reforms [138][139][140][141][142]. Addressing these gaps requires not only the expansion of services but also a concerted effort to integrate innovative healthcare models and technology-driven solutions that cater to the diverse needs of the Saudi population.…”