Evaluation of moral intelligence of healthcare professionals via the &amp;#8220;Survey for Measuring Moral Intelligence in the Provision of Healthcare Services&amp;#8221;

Hulya Ozturk,Omur Sayligil,Zeki Yildiz

doi:10.4067/s1726-569x2021000100087

Abstract

Moral intelligence -through which an individual makes mental evaluation before taking action about a decision- is important in individual-centered healthcare. Using Lawshe Method, we designed the âSurvey for Measuring Moral Intelligence in the Provision of Healthcare Servicesâ with âequalityâ, âempathyâ, âmoral intelligenceâ, âjusticeâ, âtoleranceâ, âself-controlâ, and âpolitenessâ dimensions (Î±=.966). Age of the population (physicians and nurses) was 36.44Â±9.52, consisting 517 (65.5%) women, 538 married participants, 653 employed in public hospitals, and 352 had work experience of <10 years. All participants were moral intelligence-sensitive. Those who had children, worked in a private organization, and had longer work experience were more sensitive with regard to âequalityâ, which varied by marital status, frequency of working outside normal working hours, and age groups. âPolitenessâ varied between participants that have worked for >8 hours/day. Using dimensions of this survey as skills is expected to ensure due diligence about rights and dignity in healthcare services.

Highlights

Moral intelligence has so far been defined as “the capacity to understand right from wrong”, as “the mental capacity to determine how universal human principles should be applied to our values, goals, and actions”(1,2) and as a type of intelligence that focuses on impelling professionals and experts to use some skills in the business world[3].M
Thermore, empathy, moral intelligence, justice, tolerance, self-control and politeness were important for the healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals frequently have to go through a “moral decision-making” process before getting engaged in a moral act in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients

Summary

Introduction

Moral intelligence has so far been defined as “the capacity to understand right from wrong”, as “the mental capacity to determine how universal human principles should be applied to our values, goals, and actions”(1,2) and as a type of intelligence that focuses on impelling professionals and experts to use some skills in the business world[3]. M. Borba defined seven parameters of moral intelligence, i.e. empathy, respect, fairness, politeness, tolerance, self-control, and conscience; and Lennick and Kiel defined four parameters, i.e. integrity, responsibility, compassion, and forgiveness[2,4]. By their nature, intermingled with value problems. There is a need for medical ethics at this point. Limitations, playing a central role in showing goodwill and using knowledge, are required by healthcare professionals to manage any ambiguities and decision-making processes[2,5,6]

Methods

Results

Conclusion