Background: Anesthesiology students undergo a comprehensive education that includes theoretical, practical, and clinical training, preparing them for their future professional roles. However, failing to adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines during their academic journey can lead to significant ethical dilemmas.
Objectives: This study aims to identify the professional ethics challenges faced by anesthesiology students.
Methods: Utilizing a conventional qualitative content analysis approach, we selected participants through purposive sampling until data saturation was achieved. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, and subsequent analysis, coding, and categorization were conducted using MAXQDA-10 software.
Results: A total of 16 interviews were conducted, each lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. From these discussions, we extracted 437 initial codes, which were organized into 26 subcategories and 14 overarching categories. Our analysis revealed five primary themes: “Antecedents of Challenges,” “Academic Challenges,” “Clinical Challenges and Complexities,” “Three Aspects of Professional Ethics,” and “Consequences.”
Conclusion: The findings indicate that both individual and social factors contribute to the emergence of various challenges. Notably, issues within university and hospital settings, such as repressive or blame-oriented interactions between students and their instructors or mentors, were highlighted. Our research identified three critical aspects of professional ethics: responsibility, confidentiality, and effective communication. The negative repercussions of these ethical challenges -such as discouragement, demotivation, anger, and isolation- significantly impact students’ experiences. By acknowledging these challenges, we can develop innovative ethical guidelines and educational programs that foster a more supportive environment for future anesthesiology professionals.