Ethical Dimensions in Contemporary Medical Practices: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Diverse Perspectives

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review and analysis aim to comprehensively explore diverse ethical perspectives within contemporary medical practices. Acknowledging the complexity of ethical considerations in medicine influenced by cultural, socio-economic, and legal factors, the objective is to synthesize insights from various studies and delve into key themes such as patient autonomy, informed consent, healthcare equity, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Methodology: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines 2020, this analysis systematically reviewed scholarly articles focusing on ethical considerations within modern medical practices from 2020 to 2023. A thorough screening process, based on specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, was conducted in major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar). Eleven relevant studies were included, representing diverse perspectives and ethical frameworks. Result: The systematic study selection process identified 11 relevant studies from an initial pool of 297 records. These studies covered a range of topics, including parental decision-making for adolescents with mental health issues, the legalization of medical cannabis, challenges in patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic and medical education ethics. The included studies were subjected to a meticulous evaluation of their characteristics, outcomes, and limitations. The findings contribute valuable insights into the multifaceted ethical dimensions of contemporary medical practices. Conclusion: This systematic review and analysis provide a comprehensive overview of diverse ethical perspectives inherent in contemporary medical practices. While recognizing the complexity of medical ethics, influenced by various factors, the study identifies patterns, gaps and divergent viewpoints within the selected studies. The analysis aims to inform practitioners, policymakers, and scholars engaged in ethical decision-making in healthcare, fostering a more informed and ethically robust approach to modern medical practices. Despite the limitations in some studies, the findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on medical ethics and highlight the need for further research and dialogue to address evolving ethical challenges in healthcare.