Professional Ethical Aspects in the Study and Internship Environment: Research in Tallinn Health Care College

Kate-Riin Kont,Kristiina Puura,Kateriina Rannula

doi:10.15388/actpaed.46.2021.10

Abstract

The exposure of healthcare professionals to (un)ethical situations starts in the educational institution, and the first serious cases occur during internships. The aim of the current study is to investigate the problems and causes (concerning unethical situations) related to students’ perception of ethics in the study and practice environment and to describe the awareness of Tallinn Health Care College’s students of professional ethics and the use of existing support systems in solving unethical problems.The findings indicated the importance of ethical communication and behaviour by all respondents. Empathy, ethical feedback, and confidentiality were perceived to be an integral part of ethical standards within the study and training environment. Respondents pointed out that ethical issues may occur not only between a health care professional and a patient, but also between a health care professional and doctor, supervisor, or teacher. A practical approach to ethical decision-making integrated into professional training has been assessed by all respondents.

Highlights

Ethics is related to all aspects of human behaviour and decision-making, so it consists of several different subdivisions
The following section will focus on presenting information on the first research task, which was to investigate and describe the students’ opinions on learning professional ethics
Three questions were asked to gain insight into the topic: What is the meaning of professional ethics? If and why is it necessary to teach professional ethics? Whether and how are ethical aspects treated in your professional studies?

Summary

Introduction

Ethics is related to all aspects of human behaviour and decision-making, so it consists of several different subdivisions. Ethics implies continuous human development, the ability to learn new things, to feel one’s own moral beliefs, and to strive for the improvement of oneself and one’s surroundings in a way which meets the standards of the existing environment and are unambiguous values (Code of Ethics for Midwives, 2008). Professional ethics is a rational thinking process that aims to understand what values should be maintained and disseminated in an organization. Ethics is increasingly being included in the training curriculum for health-care professionals because new graduates need the abilities and skills necessary to effectively manage their careers, as well as to care for others. Educators and curriculum managers have the responsibility to prepare competent healthcare professionals by offering learning experiences that allow students to understand and integrate multiple perspectives among healthcare team members The interpersonal role and function of teachers could develop professional ethics in students (Dehghani, 2020, 468)

Objectives

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Conclusion