Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Comparison of Moral Sensitivity between Surgical and Non-Surgical Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Teaching Hospitals of Isfahan

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Faraz Golafshan 1
Narges Motamedi 2
Neda Yavari 3
1 MD, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i864.0854
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to determine and compare the mean moral sensitivity scores between surgical and non-surgical residents in teaching hospitals in Isfahan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 at Al-Zahra and Kashani Hospitals in Isfahan. A total of 100 residents practicing in various fields (26 surgical and 74 non-surgical) were selected using cluster random sampling. Data collection was performed using the standard Lützén Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ), comprising 25 items across six dimensions. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis tests in SPSS version 16.
Findings: The mean and standard deviation of the total moral sensitivity score of the residents was reported as 67.02 ± 12.83, indicating a moderate level. Findings revealed that moral sensitivity was low in 15%, moderate in 67%, and high in 18% of the residents. No statistically significant difference was observed between the total moral sensitivity score and its subscales between surgical and non-surgical residents (P > 0.05). Additionally, variables such as gender and academic year had no significant effect on the participants' level of moral sensitivity (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The moral sensitivity of most residents in the studied specialties was evaluated at a moderate level. Given the importance of this skill in the quality of patient care and ethical decision-making, it is recommended to revise medical ethics educational programs and implement practical, case-based courses to enhance the moral sensitivity of physicians during their residency.

Highlights

Narges Motamedi  Google Scholar: 

Neda Yavari: Google Scholar

Keywords
Moral Sensitivity
Medical Residents
Clinical Ethics
Surgery
Isfahan
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 864
4th Week,July
July and August 2026
Pages 854-859

  • Receive Date 03 April 2026
  • Accept Date 23 May 2026