Attitude of Medical and Dental Students Towards Ethical Dilemmas and Clinical Decision-Making Skills: A Cross-Sectional Study

Divya Praba S; Arun R T; Divya Priya G K; Soundarya R; Mahalakshmi S R; Brindha Devi T; Devasree K; Deenadayalan A; Deivanai B

Attitude of Medical and Dental Students Towards Ethical Dilemmas and Clinical Decision-Making Skills: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author(s)	Ms. Divya Praba S, Prof. Dr. Arun R T, Prof. Dr. Divya Priya G K, Prof. Dr. Soundarya R, Dr. Mahalakshmi S R, Ms. Brindha Devi T, Ms. Devasree K, Mr. Deenadayalan A, Ms. Deivanai B
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Ethical decision-making is an essential competency for healthcare professionals. Medical and Dental students frequently encounter ethical dilemmas during clinical training, requiring adequate knowledge, attitude, and decision-making skills. Aim: To assess the attitude, perception, knowledge, and clinical decision-making skills related to ethical dilemmas among undergraduate medical and dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 270 undergraduate Medical and Dental students of Government Cuddalore Medical and Dental College, Chidambaram, during October–November 2024. A validated self-administered questionnaire comprising 20 items assessed practice, attitude, perception, knowledge, and clinical decision-making skills regarding ethical dilemmas. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among participants, 59.3% had encountered ethical dilemmas during clinical postings. Although 97.7% considered ethics important in professional practice, only 30% felt adequately prepared through coursework. Ethical discussions were infrequent, with 40.4% rarely discussing dilemmas with peers or professors. Only 44.8% correctly identified beneficence as the ethical principle emphasizing patient welfare. In clinical scenarios, 63% preferred persuading terminally ill patients to accept treatment, while only 15.2% respected patient refusal. A majority (72.2%) favoured consensus through open discussion when disagreements arose within healthcare teams. Conclusion: Medical and Dental students demonstrate positive attitudes toward ethics but exhibit gaps in ethical knowledge and application of ethical principles in clinical decision making. Strengthening ethics education through case-based discussions and practical training may enhance ethical competence among future healthcare professionals. Keywords: Ethics, Ethical dilemma, Clinical decision-making, Medical students, Dental students, Professional ethics.
Keywords	Ethics, Ethical dilemma, Clinical decision-making, Medical students, Dental students, Professional ethics.
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-06-10

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Attitude of Medical and Dental Students Towards Ethical Dilemmas and Clinical Decision-Making Skills: A Cross-Sectional Study

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