Assessment of the medical professionalism climate in the inpatient units of a teaching hospital affiliated with Iran university of medical sciences (2023-2024)

Alireza  Khalili; Saeedeh Saeedi  Tehrani; Mahshad  Noroozi; Soodabeh  Hoveidamanesh; Arezou  Baradaran; Akram  Hashemi

doi:10.18502/jmehm.v18i12.20000

Alireza Khalili Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
Saeedeh Saeedi Tehrani Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mahshad Noroozi Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Soodabeh Hoveidamanesh Assistant Professor, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Arezou Baradaran Education Development Office, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Akram Hashemi Assistant Professor, Center for Educational Research in Medical Science (CERMS), Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmehm.v18i12.20000

Keywords: Professionalism; Professional behavior; Professional climate; Iran; Medical ethics.

Abstract

Professionalism impacts professional identity, staff efficiency, and patient care quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the professional behavior and climate in a teaching hospital in Iran. A cross-sectional study was performed among faculty members, nursing staff, and specialized residents. The study used the validated 30-item "Medical Professionalism Climate in Clinical Settings" questionnaire developed by Asghari et al., containing two domains: adherence to professional behavior, and perceptions of the professional climate. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The study population consisted of 271 individuals working at a teaching hospital, 44.3% male and 55.7% female, averaging 34.79 years in age.

The results showed there was a relationship between the total mean score, the professional behavior score, the professional climate score, and the participants' professional titles (P-value < 0.001), as well as the duration of their work experience in the department (P-value: 0.005, P-value: 0.039, P-value: 0.001, respectively). The faculty members achieved the best scores, followed by the residents, nurses, and nursing assistants. Analysis of the professional behavior scores revealed strengths and weaknesses among the medical staff. More training is recommended to enhance skills and promote positive behavior to boost hospital staff's job satisfaction and sense of belonging.