Analysis of Optometry students responses towards ethical dilemmas in eye out door patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71395/ijhp.1.4.2024.42-47Abstract
Background and Objectives: Ethical dilemmas have been explored in various areas of healthcare, they have not been as extensively addressed within the field of optometry. Addressing these dilemmas is essential to ensure ethical decision-making and enhance patient care in optometry. To evaluate differences in responses between academic levels regarding ethical dilemmas among optometry students in their practice, and to report the frequency at which they encountered some common potential ethical dilemmas.
METHODOLOGY: The research protocols were approved by Ethical Review Board of College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Lahore. A performa based cross-sectional study was conducted in College of
ophthalmology Allied Vision Science, Mayo Hospital Lahore from March 2024 to August 2024. Cross sectional study design was employed and a total of 95 optometry students participated in this study. Informed consent was taken and a structured questionnaire was developed to evaluate optometry students’ responses to Ethical dilemmas in eye patient outdoor and to report the frequency at which they encountered some common potential ethical dilemmas. Sample was collected by using Non probability convenience sampling. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for each question. All the data had been entered and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS Version 25.00). In this study, qualitative variables had been analyzed by applying chi square test P- Value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS: Optometry students across academic levels exhibited similar responses to ethical dilemmas, with no significant differences based on academic year. Given the p-values for each ethical dilemma, analysis reveals that issues such as Conflict of opinion with hostile, aggressive patients) and Termination of the relationship with patients having behavioral problems (show significant p-values (p value < 0.05 i.e. 0.03 and 0.02, respectively), indicating significant relationships, while other issues shows statistically insignificant (P-values > 0.05), regardless of the academic year variable applied.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive ethics education ensures consistent ethical competence among optometry students across academic years, strengthened by clinical practice integration.
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