Exploring Ethical Decision-Making Experiences Among Surgical Technology Interns: A Qualitative Study



Kalantari S¹ ; Royani Z¹ ; Jouybari L² ; Goudarzian AH³ ; Poursoleiman L³ ; Aghaeinezhad AA⁴ ; Chehrehgosha M⁵ ; Khosravi S⁶ ; Jahanyar M⁶
Source: Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Published:2025

Abstract

Background and purpose: Ethical decision-making is a fundamental aspect of management and a vital competency for healthcare professionals, enabling them to handle complex responsibilities effectively. Surgical technology students, as one of the key groups involved in bedside care, train and work in a complex environment. Due to their close interaction with patients and their presence in the high-risk environment of the operating room, this group experiences higher levels of stress and must make proper ethical decisions in response to ethical dilemmas encountered at the bedside. This study aims to explore the experiences of ethical decision-making among surgical technology trainees. Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2023 at Golestan University of Medical Sciences. Using a purposive sampling method, 15 eighth-semester surgical technology students voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured, interactive, face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions focusing on students' experiences of ethical decision-making during clinical training. For data analysis, MAXQDA software (version 24) and the conventional content analysis approach proposed by Graneheim and Lundman were employed. Results: Data analysis yielded a total of 283 meaning units, categorized into three main themes: Violation of Patient Rights, with four subcategories; Violation of Student Rights, with five subcategories; and Educational Shortcomings in Students, with two subcategories. Conclusion: This study highlights the crucial need for ethical decision-making skills among surgical technology students and underscores the importance of addressing educational shortcomings to better prepare them for the challenges of the operating room environment. © 2025, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.