Medical Specialists’ Experiences of Decision-Making in Moral Dilemmas

Despite various laws, regulations and therapeutic guidelines, it is difficult for doctors to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions while trying to respect patients’ beliefs and cultural norms. This may affect the treatment of patients and their satisfaction. This study aimed to explore medical specialists’ experiences of decision-making in moral dilemmas at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2012. This qualitative study was conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Research population included medical specialists and participants were selected by purposive and maximum variation sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured individual interviews. Interview transcriptions were analyzed using content analysis method. Review of the transcriptions yielded the main categories and subcategories. Eight medical teachers and specialists participated in this study. Three main categories and 13 subcategories emerged. The main categories included “gradually informing the patient”, “building doctor-patient trust”, and “doctor-patient joint decision-making”. In moral dilemmas, doctors tend to make joint decisions with patients and believe that after informing the patients and building trust, they must do their best for their improvement.