Comparison of Moral Sensitivity between Surgical and Non-Surgical Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Teaching Hospitals of Isfahan

Abstract

Background Moral sensitivity is a fundamental necessity for professional service delivery in healthcare, helping physicians identify ethical conflicts and make correct clinical decisions. This study aimed to determine and compare the mean moral sensitivity scores between surgical and non-surgical residents in teaching hospitals in Isfahan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 at Al-Zahra and Kashani Hospitals in Isfahan. A total of 100 residents practicing in various fields (26 surgical and 74 non-surgical) were selected using cluster random sampling. Data collection was performed using the standard Lützén Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ), comprising 25 items across six dimensions. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis tests. Findings: The mean and standard deviation of the total moral sensitivity score of the residents was reported as 67.02 ± 12.83, indicating a moderate level. Findings revealed that moral sensitivity was low in 15, moderate in 67, and high in 18 of the residents. No statistically significant difference was observed between the total moral sensitivity score and its subscales between surgical and non-surgical residents (P > 0.05). Additionally, variables such as gender and academic year had no significant effect on the participants' level of moral sensitivity (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The moral sensitivity of most residents in the studied specialties was evaluated at a moderate level. Given the importance of this skill in the quality of patient care and ethical decision-making, it is recommended to revise medical ethics educational programs and implement practical, case-based courses to enhance the moral sensitivity of physicians during their residency. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.