ETHICAL ASPECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS' WORK WITH ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

Authors

  • Daniela Petkovska University of St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, Higher Medical School Bitola, North Macedonia
  • Izabela Filov University of St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, Higher Medical School Bitola, North Macedonia
  • Angelka Jankulovska University of St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, Higher Medical School Bitola, North Macedonia
  • Denis Arsovski University of St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, Higher Medical School Bitola, North Macedonia
  • Zlatko Lozanovski University of St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, Higher Medical School Bitola, North Macedonia
  • Tanja Jovanovska University of St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, Higher Medical School Bitola, North Macedonia
  • Viktorija Prodanovska Stojchevska University of St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola, Higher Medical School Bitola, North Macedonia

Keywords:

ethics, physiotherapy, oncology rehabilitation, ethical dilemmas, interdisciplinary care, moral distress, patient communication

Abstract

Background:Physiotherapists working with oncology patients are frequently exposed to complex clinical, psychosocial, and ethical challenges. Despite their important rehabilitative and supportive roles, ethical aspects of physiotherapy practice in oncology remain insufficiently addressed in both research and clinical guidelines.
Aim:The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes, experiences, and ethical awareness of physiotherapists in North Macedonia regarding their work with oncology patients, with a focus on ethical principles, communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and psychological burden.
Methods:A descriptive qualitative–quantitative study was conducted among 20 physiotherapists employed in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Clinical Hospital in Bitola. Data were collected through an anonymous structured questionnaire consisting of demographic items, Likert-scale questions on ethical awareness, and open-ended questions describing real ethical dilemmas. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis.
Results:The majority of participants demonstrated strong ethical awareness: 90% reported familiarity with the fundamental ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality, beneficence, and justice. Ethical dilemmas were frequently encountered by 85% of respondents, most commonly involving patient information, communication of prognosis, emotional support, and treatment boundaries. A need for additional ethical training was expressed by 70% of physiotherapists. Effective communication (80%) and interdisciplinary collaboration (75%) were recognized as key for resolving ethical conflicts. Psychological burden was reported by 60%, indicating the emotional impact of oncology care on physiotherapists.
Conclusion:Physiotherapists show a high level of ethical consciousness but face substantial ethical and emotional challenges when working with oncology patients. The findings align with international research emphasizing the need for formal ethical education, clinical supervision, and structured interdisciplinary support. Strengthening ethical competencies, improving institutional protocols, and providing psychosocial support may enhance the quality of oncology rehabilitation and reduce moral distress among physiotherapists

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Published

2026-02-13

How to Cite

Petkovska, D., Filov, I., Jankulovska, A., Arsovski, D., Lozanovski, Z., Jovanovska, T., & Prodanovska Stojchevska, V. (2026). ETHICAL ASPECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS’ WORK WITH ONCOLOGY PATIENTS. KNOWLEDGE - International Journal , 74(4), 429–435. Retrieved from https://ojs.ikm.mk/index.php/kij/article/view/8111

Issue

Vol. 74 No. 4 (2026): Knowledge - Capital of the Future

Section

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