Table 3 Medical students responses to statements concerning the doctor-patient relationship (n = 140)
Perception statement | Agree. No(%) | Dis-agree. No(%) | Not sure. No(%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Patient’s wishes must be respected always | 84(60) | 41(29.3) | 15(10.7) |
Doctor should do his best irrespective of patient’s wishes | 85(60.7) | 37(26.4) | 18(12.9) |
Confidentiality is not important in medical practice | 16(11.4) | 119(85) | 5(3.6) |
Consent is only necessary for surgeries and not for medical procedures or laboratory tests | 12(8.6) | 126(90) | 2(1.4) |
Close relatives should always be told about the patient’s true medical condition or status | 51(36.4) | 59(42.1) | 30(21.4) |
Patients should always be informed by their doctor of every medical error | 55(39.3) | 58(41.4) | 27(19.3) |
Children should never be treated without the consent of their parents/guardians | 60(42.9) | 60(42.9) | 20(14.3) |
Patients refusing treatment on religious grounds should be referred elsewhere | 80(57.1) | 38(27.1) | 22(15.7) |
If patient wishes to die, doctors should assist to facilitate this | 10(7.1) | 113(80.7) | 17(12.1) |
Termination of pregnancy should be offered to any willing female who requests it | 20(14.3) | 104(74.3) | 16(11.4) |