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Bioethics in COVID-19 pandemic care: residents’ perceptions
Bioethics in COVID-19 pandemic care: residents’ perceptions
Francisca M.F. Mendoza-Lucero 1 
, Mirelle Pinelo-Ramírez 1 , Alejandro Rodríguez-Torres 1 , Paula A. Zamora-Hernández 1 , Arturo García-Galicia 2 , Nancy R. Bertado-Ramírez 2 , Álvaro J. Montiel-Jarquín 3 , Jorge Loría-Castellanos 4
1 Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla, México; 2 Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Especialidades de Puebla, Dirección de Educación e Investigación en Salud, Centro Médico Nacional General de División Manuel Ávila Camacho, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Puebla, México; 3 Dirección de Educación e Investigación en Salud, Centro Médico Nacional Gral. de Div. Manuel Ávila Camacho, Hospital de Especialidades de Puebla, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) Puebla, México; 4 Coordinación de Proyectos Especiales en Salud, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
*Correspondence: Arturo García-Galicia. Email: neurogarciagalicia@yahoo.com.mx
Abstract
Background: The Mexican health system faced a complex process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resident physicians were fundamental, as they integrated the direct patient care teams in the Public Health System.
Objective: To describe resident physicians’ perceptions of the bioethical aspects of care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and methods: Qualitative, cross-sectional study based on the experiences of 37 resident physicians in public hospitals in Mexico, who wrote an essay on their ethical perspective during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used.
Results: 95% of the resident doctors perceived a lack of coordination and organization in the National Health System. 91.9% reported a lack of medical supplies (medicines and personal protective equipment). 70.3% reported alteration of their mental and physical health, and 81% mentioned fear of contagion. 54% reported a lack of medical personnel and absenteeism from work. Attitudes of fear, uncertainty and/or anxiety were identified in 91.9% of patients and family members.
Conclusions: This study offers a critical view of the residents’ experiences, highlighting the complexities and ethical challenges they faced. It identifies opportunities for improvement in the healthcare system, including the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Residents played a crucial role, but encountered numerous ethical dilemmas.
Keywords: Bioethical principles. COVID-19. Medical education. Residency. Medical ethics. Health care delivery.
