CLINICAL ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND CONFLICTS ENCOUNTERED BY PAEDIATRICIANS IN NIGERIA: A PILOT ONLINE SURVEY

ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND CONFLICTS ENCOUNTERED BY PAEDIATRICIANS

Authors

  • Peter Ubuane Department of Paediatrics, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos
  • AM Ogunleye
  • AU Solarin
  • IN Diaku-Akinwumi
  • BA Animasahun
  • AD Knackstedt

Keywords:

Paediatric ethics, sub-Saharan Africa, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Refusal of blood transfusion, Discharge against medical advice

Abstract

The pattern of clinical ethical dilemmas/conflicts (CEDs) [conflicting moral-laden decisions between clinicians and parents/caregivers] in paediatric clinical practice in Nigeria is unknown. In a pilot mixed-method survey, we observed the commonest and most-difficult-to-resolve CEDs to be parental refusal of emergency life-saving blood transfusion and discharge against medical advice, sometimes resulting in the death of the affected child and occasionally, litigation. Participants often utilised hospital’s social welfare services (apart from counselling) to resolve CEDs, albeit, outcomes seem generally not satisfactory. These observations need further exploration with nationally-representative data and subsequent governmental and institutional policy responses to minimise prevalent adverse outcomes.

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Published

30-01-2022

How to Cite

Ubuane, P., Ogunleye, A., Solarin, A., Diaku-Akinwumi, I., Animasahun, B., & Knackstedt, A. (2022). CLINICAL ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND CONFLICTS ENCOUNTERED BY PAEDIATRICIANS IN NIGERIA: A PILOT ONLINE SURVEY: ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND CONFLICTS ENCOUNTERED BY PAEDIATRICIANS. Annals of Clinical Sciences, 7(1), 40–43. Retrieved from https://acsjournal.lasucom.edu.ng/index.php/acs/article/view/83

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022): Annals of Clinical Sciences

Section

Proceedings

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