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Personal Factors Affecting Medical Professionalism: A Qualitative Study in Iran



Alipour F1 ; Shahvari Z2 ; Asghari F3 ; Samadi S4 ; Amini H5
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University of Ghachsaran, Ghachsaran, Iran
  3. 3. Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Published:2020

Abstract

Professional behavior with patients and interactions with colleagues, the institution and professional bodies are influenced by many factors. The purpose of this manuscript is to clarify those personal factors affecting medical professionalism in clinical settings affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. For this purpose, a qualitative study was carried out. One hundred and eighty-two participants were recruited through purposive sampling of clinical staff, physicians, and medical students in Tehran. Data were collected through 22 focus group discussions, and conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results were reported in five categories to present the participants’ views. Categories were extracted from 103 codes and consisted of 1) people’s belief in professionalism, 2) personality traits, 3) problems in family, 4) mental or physical health status, and 5) communication skills. The results showed that despite the facilitator roles of some personal factors, others act as barriers to professional behaviors. In order to control their impact, it is crucial to pay attention to them at the time of student/staff selection. Strengthening support systems in the organization is also essential for decreasing the effect of family problems or physical and mental health problems. © 2020 Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences.