Ethical Aspects Considered in Doctor-Patient Relations: Experiences of Anesthesiologists

Background and objective: Ethical principles guide professional conduct, particularly in establishing the doctor-patient relationship and, therefore, require constant reflection. The purpose of this study is to analyze ethical experiences of anesthesiologists in their interaction with the patient under their care.MethodThis was an exploratory study involving 16 active anesthesiologists at a university hospital in João Pessoa, Paraíba. We collected data through semi-structured interviews and analyzed qualitatively using the content analysis technique.ResultsThe study findings show that the classification of ethical experiences of the study participants regarding the doctor-patient relationship were classified into five categories: respect for the patient, humane treatment, equal treatment, professional secrecy, and respect for patient autonomy.ConclusionWe conclude that respondents recognize the ethical and humanistic values that should guide the relationship with their patients.