Abstract:
Introduction:
Several authors have shown the importance of teaching ethics as part of undergratuate medical training. Reports in the literature have generally described a reduction in ethical sensitivity among students over the course of their medical training.
Objectives:
The objeticve of this study was to mesure the ethical sensitivity of students at a medical school.
Method:
In order to mesure ethical sensitivity, a sample of 20 students from each of he six undergraduate years was selected. These students responded to na instrument consisting of four vignette cases.
Results:
Na increase in ethical sensitivity among the students as they progressed through their undergraduate training was observed, with the exception of a small reduction among the third-year students. The older students showed greater ethical sentivity. There were no diferences in relation to gender or choice of specialty.
Discussion:
The increase in ethical sensitivity goes against previous observations in the literature. There may be an association beteween greater ethical sensitivity and the curricular structure of this specific school, wich emphasizes psychosocial matters throughout students’ training. These findings may reinforce the proposition that medical school curricula should give consideration to the study and discussion of ethical questions during undergraduate training.
Key-words:
Ethic; Education, Medical; Humanities
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