Knowledge of bioethics in university students of health sciences

Bioethics provides health professionals with tools containing values, principles, and standards of behavior that guarantee the quality and transparency of health services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge possessed by students of health sciences careers in a higher education institution in Ecuador. The research was observational, descriptive and cross-sectional, the study plan of the medicine and nursing careers was reviewed, an interview was carried out with teachers of these careers who teach the Bioethics subject, in addition, surveys were applied to a selected sample of 127 students of the two careers mentioned above. It was possible to show that there are limitations regarding the application of the practical approach, the subject does not always prepare students to solve ethical dilemmas in the exercise of the profession, the subjects do not dedicate enough time and content to important and controversial procedures such as abortion and euthanasia. Teachers recognize that is necessary to address in more depth behaviors that cause harm such as inexperience, recklessness, negligence and delay. The students show ignorance in key aspects of bioethics related to the recognition and practical content of bioethical principles, the practical application of models for the solution of ethical dilemmas and the principles of the Hippocratic Oath.