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. 2022 Aug 13;23(1):82.
doi: 10.1186/s12910-022-00816-6.

Current state of ethical challenges reported in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review & bibliometric analysis from 2010 to 2021

Alexander Woodman  1 , Khawaja Bilal Waheed  2 , Mohammad Rasheed  3 , Shakil Ahmad  4
Affiliations

Current state of ethical challenges reported in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review & bibliometric analysis from 2010 to 2021

Alexander Woodman et al. BMC Med Ethics. .

Abstract

Background: Over the past few years, five domains of importance about the current state of bioethics in Saudi Arabia have shaped the perspective of most research: doctor-patient relationship, informed consent, do-not-resuscitate, organ donation, and transplantation, medical students' knowledge and attitudes about medical ethics curriculum. This systematic review aimed to systematically identify, compile, describe and discuss ethical arguments and concepts in the best-studied domains of bioethics in Saudi Arabia and to present cultural, social, educational, and humane perspectives.

Methods: Six databases were searched using Boolean operators (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar) from December 2020-June 2021. The search and report process followed the statement and flowchart of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA).

Resutls: The search resulted in 1651 articles, of which 82 studies were selected for a final review and assessment. There is a gradual increase in research, whereby a substantial increase was observed from 2017. Most of the published articles focused on 'Organ Donation & Transplantation' with 33 articles, followed by 'Doctor-Patient Relations' with 18 publications. Most of the published articles were from Central Province (33), followed by Western Province (16). The authorship pattern showed a collaborative approach among researchers. The thematic analysis of keywords analysis showed that 'Saudi Arabia,' 'attitude PHC,' 'organ donation,' 'knowledge and education,' and 'donation' have been used the most commonly.

Conclusion: This systematic quantitative synthesis is expected to guide researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers about the strengths and gaps in knowledge and attitudes regarding medical ethics in Saudi Arabia, both among the general public and health professionals.

Keywords: Bibliometric analysis; Do-not-resuscitate; Doctor-patient relationship; Ethical challenges; Informed consent; Medical ethics curriculum; Organ donation and transplantation; Saudi Arabia; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Study identification, screening, and inclusion, guided by PRISMA
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Publishing and citations patterns of medical ethics articles 2010–2021
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Thematic analysis medical ethics articles 2010–2021
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Medical ethics articles publishing patterns for Saudi Arabia and Provinces 2010–2021
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Authorship pattern of medical ethics literature 2010–2021
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Top 15 most cited articles on medical ethics in Saudi Arabia 2016–2021
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Co-occurrence network of keywords used by the authors (2010–2021)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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