Perception, Readiness and Preferred Training Methods on Bioethics as Emerging Medical Professionals-An Explorative study from Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Context: Indian medical graduate is envisioned to possess adequate knowledge on bioethics as reiterated in the code of ethics, a regulatory document for professional conduct, etiquette and ethics of doctors by Medical Council of India (MCI). Aims: To describe the awareness on medical bioethics among trainee interns and junior residents and elicit characteristics for effective training methodologies on bioethics attertiary medical teaching hospitals across Tamil Nadu. Settings and designs:Mixed methodology usingcross-sectional survey in combination with pile sorting, free listing exercises followed by in-depth interviews to generate rich qualitative inputs. Methods and material: Google Forms survey was designedand link was disseminated using social affinity groups and snowballing techniques through social media. Statistical analysis used: Data was analyzed using MS Excel for quantitative survey and Visual Anthropac4.98.1/X softwarefor pile sorting and free listing exercises and manual content analysis for interviews. Results:Among 135 respondents for online survey from across 25 medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, 57.5%were females, 42.2%had training on bioethics and 54.4%during internship period.Experts conducted training for only 34% of participants. Cluster analysis identified communication skills, personality traits, and medico-legal interface as the major areas of focus for bioethics training and majority favoured a combination of curriculum-based and self-directed learning through online modules, and immersive-blended portals like TEDX styled talks with expertsas innovative methodologies for training on bioethics. Conclusions:Novel and participatory training methodologies are favoured in imparting training to enhance bioethics preparedness among emerging medical professionals.