Enhancing ethics in the operating rooms: Presentation of a comprehensive model

Abstract

Ethical considerations in the operating room (OR) are of utmost importance, as decisions made in this highpressure environment directly impact patient outcomes. Despite the acknowledged importance of ethics in surgical practice, a comprehensive framework addressing the complex dilemmas in the OR remains underdeveloped. This article presents a narrative review and introduces a robust, multi-dimensional model to enhance ethical practice in the OR by emphasizing patient engagement, technology integration, policy development, education, and fostering an ethical culture among surgical teams. The proposed model aligns with core ethical principles beneficence, autonomy, justice, and non-maleficence and provides practical pathways for their implementation. Through this model, healthcare institutions can systematically promote ethical decisionmaking, improve patient care, and support professional integrity within the surgical environment.