Publication

Abstract : Background: Bioethics education started in the recent past with the AETCOM module (attitude, ethics and communication). Knowledge of ethics in a specialized field such as pediatrics is an important competency for a basic doctor. Methodology: The investigators enquired into the knowledge of third year students in pediatrics using a validated “Test of Residents Ethics Knowledge for Pediatrics (TREK-P)” questionnaire. The domains were professionalism, adolescent medicine, genetic testing and diagnosis, neonatology, decision-making in life sustaining treatments, and decision-making for minors. An interventional prescheduled class was taken on ethical issues prevailing in pediatrics, so as to inform the students on the ethical way of thinking. Results: The study results bring out the fact that many of the important issues especially those related to genetic testing, neonatology, end of life decisions and decision making in minors was found to be lacking and which showed us statistically significant increase in awareness following the positive intervention. The various ethical issues in pediatrics embody the principles of bioethics especially autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice. Students should be given a focused session on various ethical concerns so as to have a right alignment of attitude. Questionnaires to this effect would help in quantifying the ethical lacunae. Conclusion: This study brought forth importance of ethical knowledge in healthcare and continued development programs for the physician in training