Health Communication and Ethical Challenges: Building a Responsible Dialogue

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Yogyakarta, March 19, 2025 — The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH) at Universitas Gadjah Mada once again hosted its regular Raboan Sharing & Perspective Sharing session, a weekly discussion exploring various bioethics issues. This event, held online via Zoom, featured dr. Steffi Rifasa, M.H., a lecturer and Head of the Division of Bioethics and Law at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Pasundan, as the keynote speaker, with Nathan Agwin Khenda, Ftr., M.Bio.Et., serving as the moderator.

BIOETIKA HUMANIORA

On this occasion, Raboan explored the theme ‘Health Communication and Ethical Challenges: Building a Responsible Dialogue.’ The discussion emphasized the critical role of bioethics in health communication while examining various solutions for addressing medical ethical dilemmas that require effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients. The session began with an analysis of alleged malpractice cases involving medical personnel, illustrating how perspectives can differ between patients and healthcare institutions. Furthermore, it underscored that clear and transparent communication is essential in preventing misunderstandings between medical professionals and patients, which can significantly impact medical decision-making.

 

BIOETIKA HUMANIORA

Moderated by Nathan Agwin Khenda, the discussion was highly interactive, engaging participants from diverse backgrounds, including medical professionals, academics, and students. Various perspectives on bioethics and communication crises were explored in depth, particularly regarding the application of bioethical principles and the role of healthcare professionals in building patient trust through effective and responsible communication.

Steffi Rifasa, M.H., also highlighted the challenges in health communication, particularly in delivering bad news without diminishing patients’ hope. She emphasized the importance of using appropriate methods, such as the SPIKES approach (Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, and Strategy), to ensure that difficult conversations are conducted ethically and responsibly. Additionally, she addressed the growing challenges in digital health communication, where the rise of telemedicine and the widespread use of social media as an information source—often lacking accuracy—necessitate a more proactive role for healthcare professionals in providing accurate health education.

These ethical and communication challenges are closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, which underscores the importance of effective health communication in ensuring quality healthcare and appropriate patient treatment. Furthermore, SDG 4: Quality Education highlights the need for healthcare professionals to receive proper training in ethical and empathetic communication to enhance patient interactions.

This Raboan discussion reaffirmed that effective communication in healthcare not only helps patients better understand their conditions but also strengthens the relationship between healthcare providers and patients. An ethical approach in health communication is essential, ensuring that information is conveyed in a way that fosters a deeper understanding for both patients and their families.

 

Reporter : Nadia Ulfah, Mafrida Nabilah Hanan

Editor : Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

Examining the Phenomenon of Aesthetic Surgery: Medical, Ethical, and Religious Perspectives

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RABOAN Perspective Sharing – 12 March 2025

Yogyakarta, March 12, 2025 – The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a RABOAN webinar featuring Dr. Prima Maharani Putri, M.H., C.Med. as the keynote speaker.

In her presentation, Dr. Prima discussed the growing trend of aesthetic surgery, which has gained increasing popularity in modern society. “Today, achieving a flawless appearance has become a priority in professional and social interactions. Many individuals choose plastic surgery to attain the beauty standards they aspire to,” she stated.

With the rapid advancement of information technology, the promotion of aesthetic surgery on social media has become more widespread, showcasing stunning physical transformations and shaping public perceptions of beauty. However, beyond its rising popularity, various bioethical considerations and religious perspectives must also be taken into account.raboan bioetika 12 maret 2025

The webinar also explored different religious viewpoints on aesthetic surgery. In Islam, such procedures are permitted if they serve a rehabilitative purpose and provide medical benefits, but they are deemed forbidden if performed solely for beautification. Buddhism considers plastic surgery a positive action when done for health reasons but discourages it if pursued merely for aesthetic purposes. Meanwhile, in Protestant and Catholic Christianity, plastic surgery is acceptable for medical needs, such as reconstructive procedures due to congenital disabilities or injuries. In contrast, Hinduism generally discourages altering one’s physical form through plastic surgery.

Dr. Prima emphasized the importance of applying bioethical principles in aesthetic surgery practices. “Patients have the right to decide whether to undergo plastic surgery as long as it is not intended to deceive or harm themselves or others. Doctors must provide informed consent and consider ethical aspects, especially for patients who lack medical indications,” she explained.

The discussion in this webinar also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By examining aesthetic surgery through the lens of bioethics, religion, and mental health, this event aimed to raise public awareness of the social impact of beauty standards shaped by social media. Additionally, the webinar served as an educational platform for medical professionals and the public to better understand the importance of ethical healthcare services, ensuring that all medical procedures, including plastic surgery, provide genuine benefits to patients with clear medical indications.

The event concluded with the key message that medical professionals play a crucial role in educating the public and upholding ethical standards in aesthetic surgery. “Upholding ethics and moral values can encourage people to accept themselves as they are. Plastic surgery is not the ultimate measure of physical perfection,” Dr. Prima concluded.

Reporter : Ardhini Nugrahaeni, M.K.M.
Editor : Rafi Khairuna Wibisono, S.Kom

CBMH UGM Research Team Conducts Public Engagement Activity with Cancer Survivors at the Indonesian Cancer Foundation

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The research team discusses patient autonomy with cancer survivors

Yogyakarta, February 28, 2025 – A research team from Universitas Gadjah Mada, led by drg. Agnes Bhakti Pratiwi, MPH, Ph.D, with research members Prof. Dick Willems, MD, Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, MA, Nabila Puspakesuma, S.Psi., MSc, Ns. Wahyu Dewi S., M.SN, Ardhini Nugrahaeni, M.K.M, and Fahmi Baiquni, S.Psi., MPH, conducted a public engagement activity as part of the research entitled Conceptualizing Patient Autonomy in Decision-Making in South-East Asian Culture: Bringing Experience from the Indonesian Context.

The activity was held at the Indonesian Cancer Foundation on February 28, 2025, involving 10 cancer survivors who have experience in the medical decision-making process, particularly related to non-emergency surgical procedures. This public engagement aimed to understand aspects considered important by patients in healthcare services during the medical decision-making process in hospitals. This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 5 (Gender Equality), which promote inclusive access to healthcare services and active patient participation in medical decision-making.

During the discussion, participants shared their experiences regarding the obstacles faced during medical treatment. One of the key findings was the significant role of close family members, such as husbands or children, in the decision-making process. Family support greatly influenced patients decisions, especially in approving elective surgery procedures. Some participants also mentioned that before undergoing medical treatment, they first sought alternative medicine.

The decision-making dynamics showed that children’s involvement often became the deciding factor when support from husbands was not optimal. This illustrates that medical decisions in the Southeast Asian cultural context, particularly in Indonesia, tend to be collective, considering the perspectives of close family members.

This public engagement activity serves as an important step in understanding patient perspectives on autonomy in medical decision-making. The results of this activity are expected to enrich the understanding of patient autonomy concepts that are more contextual and based on patient experiences in Indonesia.

 

Reporter           : Ardhini Nugrahaeni, M.K.M.

Editor                 : Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

Challenges and Opportunities of Humanities in Medical Education and Services

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RABOAN – 5th March 2025

Yogyakarta, March 5, 2025 – The Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing event returned at the beginning of March 2025, featuring a distinguished speaker, Prof. Dr. dr. Taufiq Suryadi, Sp.F (K), Dipl.BE, a Professor of Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Syah Kuala University. The presentation and discussion were highly interactive, moderated by Mahmasoni Masdar, S.Kep.Ns., M.Kep from CBMH UGM.

This session of Raboan, themed “The Role of Humanities in Medical Education and Ethical Healthcare Services,” highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in enhancing more humane and ethical healthcare services, as well as the significance of integrating humanities and culture into medical education. Prof. Taufiq emphasized three key aspects of learning humanities:

“Learning humanities, teaching in a humanistic way, and learning through humanities.”

Humanities are not merely a complementary subject but a fundamental element in shaping empathetic and integrity-driven doctors. As medical professionals, it is essential to view patients not only in terms of their illness but also in consideration of their mental, cultural, spiritual, and social conditions.

During his presentation, Prof. Taufiq provided insights into the most preferred and necessary learning models for medical students in humanities education, as well as the learning styles they favor in acquiring information.

Prof. Taufiq’s presentation aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Strengthening humanities education in the medical curriculum is expected to cultivate healthcare professionals who can comprehend the humanitarian, ethical, and legal aspects of medical practice.