[Recognition of international ethics codes by physicians and biomedical investigators. Are we prepared for the 21st century challenges?].
International oaths and declarations (IOD) represent the essence of proposals or promises on a relevant global issue for which a social group stands for. Their appropriate spread is essential in order for them to have a significant impact. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of recognition of several medical practice and clinical research related IOD, among medical personnel differentiated by level of clinical experience and closeness to biomedical research. Five groups were surveyed: 35 undergraduate interns, 50 internal medicine residents, 19 graduate (masters and doctoral degrees) students at the outset of courses, 18 veteran graduate students and 70 biomedical investigators. Performance in the recognition of the 6 probed IOD was uniformly poor. Barely just an average of about one declaration per subject was adequately identified. The Declaration of Helsinki was recognized by more than 50% of those belonging to the groups in which theory and practice of medical research joined together. No other IOD was recognized beyond a 40% level in any group. Comparison of university of origin showed no substantial differences. The lack of knowledge of IOD as a framework in the analysis of ethical conflicts arising along medical practice or clinical research is a worrisome issue. Medical schools seem to neglect their role in divulging them. Institutional review boards should also contribute to divulge IOD. The optimal incorporation of the IOD message comes from its acquisition through a process that links theory and practice.
Ponce-de-León
Sergio
S
Subdirección de Servicios Paramédicos, Unidad de Epidemiología Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, DF. splr@quetzal.innsz.mx
D032781:Codes of Ethics; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D032984:Ethics, Research; D038622:Internationality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires