Table 4 The extent of ethical medical practice
Practices (n = 313) | Always | Often | Sometimes | Never |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No (%) | No (%) | No (%) | No (%) | |
1. I treat every patient considerately | 187 (59.7%) | 121 (38.7%) | 3 (1.0%) | 2 (0.6%) |
2. When examining a patient, I get a chaperone | 106 (33.9%) | 119 (38.0%) | 77 (24.6%) | 11 (3.5%) |
3. I spend enough time to explain the nature, purpose and possible consequences of treatment or procedure when obtaining informed consent from patients | 117 (37.4%) | 142 (45.4%) | 54 (17.2%) | 0 |
4. When prescribing drugs in their brand names, I write the generic name also | 56 (17.9%) | 109 (34.8%) | 127 (40.6%) | 21 (6.7%) |
5. As a medical officer, I dress appropriately | 157 (50.2%) | 137 (43.8%) | 16 (5.1%) | 3 (1.0%) |
6. I engage in Continuous Medical Education (CME) activities | 70 (22.4%) | 133 (42.5%) | 96 (30.7%) | 14 (4.5%) |
7. When taking leave, I follow the exact rules and regulations | 119 (38.0%) | 152 (48.6%) | 40 (12.8%) | 2 (0.6%) |
8. I engage in private medical practice during normal working hours | 0 | 2 (0.6%) | 4 (1.3%) | 307 (98.1%) |
9. Do you influence patients directly or indirectly to accept private treatment | 1 (0.3%) | 1 (0.3%) | 101 (32.3%) | 210 (67.1%) |
10. When you come across an instance of professional misconduct, do you bring it to the notice of the medical council? | 9 (2.9%) | 26 (8.3%) | 121 (38.7%) | 157 (50.2%) |
11. Do you accept gifts from pharmaceutical companies, given in recognition of your prescribing pattern? | 1 (0.3%) | 25 (8.0%) | 118 (37.7%) | 169 (54.0%) |
12. When managing patients, I consider patient’s religious and cultural views | 58 (18.5%) | 106 (33.9%) | 102 (32.6%) | 47 (15.0%) |