Ethical Decision Making Capacity Of Healthcare Professionals During Disaster Triage : Example Of Izmir Province

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether the qualities healthcare professionals in Izmir related to disaster triage were adequate and whether these qualities influence their capacity to make ethical decisions. Material-Methods: The researcher used a questionnaire form prepared with binding vignette method for data collection. The survey was completed by 215 healthcare professional working in Emergency-Medical Stations, National Medical Rescue Teams and Search-Rescue-Health Teams in Izmir. Through this method, their ability to carry disaster triage and make ethical desicions in conflictual situations is measured in relation to different variables. Results: According to results, it was determined that 51.2% of the participants had inadequate knowledge level of ethical principles of disaster triage. their knowledge level of ethical principles of disaster triage and allocation of scarce resources increased, their tendency to make ethical decisions also increased (p=0,00). Also, They stayed in ethical dilemmas that perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, manage limited resources and make decisions to die. Conclusion: So results of this study suggest that more training on disaster triage should be provided on the areas of the pre-impact phase of disaster. In addition, ethical dimension of disaster triage should be included in the syllabi of the ethics classes in the vocational training for healthcare professionals. Drill, simulations, and board exercises can be used to improve ethical decision making abilities of healthcare professionals. Disaster scenarios where ethical dilemmas are faced should be prepared for such applied training programs