Abstract:

AIM

Study to determine factors contributing to non-adherence Medical Ethics by health workers.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Why are health personnel not adhering to Medical Ethics?

OBJECTIVE

To find out common factors contributing to non-adherence to medical ethics among health workers at Ndola central Hospital

HYPOTHESIS

There are no factors influencing non-adherence to medical ethics.

METHODS

The study was conducted at Ndola central hospital which is a 3^rd level referral hospital as well as a teaching hospital. A non- interventional descriptive study was done. Health care providers were randomly sampled from the departments at Ndola central hospital. Random selection was done using an existing sampling frame (list of health care providers in each department). Study unit was drawn using simple random probability sampling, all the health care providers from different departments were listed and numbers were assigned to each name. These numbers were picked and were compared to the list. Names against those numbers were picked and were included in the sample. Quantitative data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Prior to data collection, a formal letter (indicating the title of the study and the objective of the study) was written and submitted to the senior medical superintendent who is the head of the institution at which the study was conducted. Before collecting any data, permission was sort from the participants. They were at liberty either to agree or refuse to take part in the study or not.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the findings derived from this study, it is obvious that a lot of factors contributing to non-adherence to medical ethics emanated from this study. The identified factors contributing to non-adherence to medical ethics among health workers at Ndola central Hospital were: Health workers feel they know what is good for the patient and not clients 95%, patients not provided with information 50%, Lack of alternative remedy in some instances 65%, Some conditions like STIs spouse should be aware 90%, Shortage of essential drugs and supplies 60%. The fact that there are factors impeding on adherence, quality of service may be compromised because quality of health service delivery in the country ought to be enhanced through adherence to medical ethics by health workers. After all, adherence to medical ethics by health workers is one of the most critical aspects of quality health service delivery in any country. Indeed, non-adherence to medical ethics affects not only the way through which health workers interact with health service users, but also the quality of health service delivered as it hinders the later from accessing better health services. Ethical standards promote the values that are essential to good communication; in turn patients can have confidence, even reciprocal reverence and unbiased medical care.

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