SDGs 4 – Bioethics Unesco Chair

Communication Challenges in Interprofessional Collaboration in the Healthcare Sector

April 24, 2025/0 Comments/in News, Raboan, Sustainable Development Goals/by cbmhfkugm

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 — Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing session was held with the theme “Communication Challenges in Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) in the Healthcare Sector.” The event featured dr. Nasrun, S.H., M.Sc, an alumnus of the Master’s Program in Bioethics at UGM and currently a lecturer at the Department of Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine, Unisa Palu. The session was moderated by Ika Setyasari, S.Kep.Ns., M.N.Sc from CBMH UGM. More than 50 participants attended the event, including students, clinicians, and academics from various backgrounds.

In his presentation, dr. Nasrun emphasized that the primary challenge in implementing IPC is cross-professional communication. IPC is crucial to support the shift from a paternalistic model of healthcare delivery toward a partnership model. It aims to improve the quality of care and optimize patient-centered care, positioning patients as the central focus in clinical decision-making.

Four main communication challenges in IPC include differences in meaning, professional ego, misaligned perceptions, and territorial boundaries between healthcare workers. Misunderstandings often arise, such as the use of the word “sorry,” which can be interpreted either as an admission of fault or, conversely, as an indication of incompetence. In emergency situations, these communication challenges become even more complex, requiring strategies like shared understanding and open interprofessional dialogue.

This topic aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 3: Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the importance of a strong and responsive health system. It also relates to SDG No. 4: Quality Education, as effective IPC requires Interprofessional Education (IPE) to support the early development of collaborative competencies among healthcare professionals. Robust IPE programs will prepare health workers to communicate and collaborate effectively across professions.

Reporter: Ika Setyasari, S.Kep.Ns., M.N.Sc

Editor: Rafi Khairuna Wibisono, S.Kom

Is Immunization Necessary for Infants?

April 22, 2025/0 Comments/in News, Raboan, Sustainable Development Goals/by cbmhfkugm

Yogyakarta, April 16, 2025 – The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities (CBMH), Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held its weekly discussion forum, Raboan Sharing & Perspective Sharing, this time raising the theme “The Ethics of Immunization.” The online discussion, conducted via Zoom, featured Dr. dr. Fx. Wikan Indrarto, Sp.A – a pediatrician and lecturer – as the main speaker, moderated by Ns. Wahyu Dewi Sulistyarini, MSN.

In his presentation, dr. Wikan emphasized that immunization is one of the most important efforts to build immunity against diseases. However, its implementation raises various challenges from a biomedical ethics standpoint, including the principles of non-maleficence (do no harm), justice, autonomy, and beneficence.

“As medical professionals, our duty is not only to provide medical benefits, but also to ensure that our actions are fair and respect the rights of patients,” said dr. Wikan.

He further discussed the issue of medical paternalism, where doctors may limit a patient’s autonomy for the patient’s or public’s benefit. dr. Wikan explained that such a paternalistic approach can be ethically justified under certain conditions, such as when there is a serious preventable risk, when patients are unable to make autonomous decisions, or when the action significantly benefits the patient. The discussion also touched on national immunization regulations, including Indonesia’s Ministry of Health Regulation No. 12 of 2017, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Fatwa No. 4 of 2016, which states that immunization is permissible (mubah) in Islam.

Wikan concluded by highlighting the importance of transparency in immunization practices. He reminded the audience that the success of the national immunization program requires the active involvement of doctors in providing thorough education and respecting parents rights to make informed and voluntary decisions.

“We need to ensure the success of the national immunization program, but we must also critically examine its implementation from an ethical perspective. Are we being wise enough?” he asserted.

This event served as a reminder that health is not solely a medical issue, but also one of values, rights, and moral choices in a pluralistic society. The topic of immunization ethics is closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 4 on Quality Education. Through sound ethical education in medicine, healthcare professionals are expected to make wiser and fairer clinical decisions, including in immunization practices.

Reporter : Ardhini Nugraheni, M.K.M.

Editor : Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.

Health Communication and Ethical Challenges: Building a Responsible Dialogue

Maret 21, 2025/0 Comments/in News, Raboan, Sustainable Development Goals/by cbmhfkugm

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.

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.

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.

Challenges and Opportunities of Humanities in Medical Education and Services

Maret 6, 2025/0 Comments/in News, Raboan, Sustainable Development Goals/by cbmhfkugm

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.

2025 Raboan Webinar: Ethics and Challenges in Safeguarding Education Quality

Januari 9, 2025/0 Comments/in News, Raboan/by cbmhfkugm

Yogyakarta, January 8, 2025 – The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CBMH FM-PHN UGM), kicked off the year 2025 with its inaugural Raboan Webinar titled, “Ethics and Challenges in Safeguarding Education Quality.” Held online on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the webinar featured Dr. dr. Veronika Ika Budiastuti, MPd, as the keynote speaker. The discussion covered ethical dimensions in higher education quality assurance, highlighting challenges and proposed solutions.

QnA session with Raboan participants

The webinar underscored the significance of both Internal Quality Assurance Systems (SPMI) and External Quality Assurance Systems (SPME) in maintaining the quality of higher education. SPMI focuses on continuous improvement within institutions, while SPME serves as an external evaluation tool to assess SPMI’s effectiveness. Collaboration between universities and accreditation bodies is crucial to achieving holistic education quality. The discussion also addressed the ethical dilemmas faced in implementing SPMI and SPME, such as the tension between institutional autonomy and the obligation to meet external standards, as well as the challenge of ensuring equitable access to education across Indonesia, particularly in remote areas compared to metropolitan regions. Dr. Veronika emphasized the need for flexibility in accreditation standards to accommodate the diversity of resources among universities.

Presentation from Dr. Veronika as speaker

This webinar aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. By addressing ethics in quality assurance, the event highlighted the importance of equal and quality educational access for all. The holistic approach recommended in the webinar supports the development of competitive and ethical human resources, creating a positive impact on society and the environment on a global scale.

Dr. Veronika concluded the webinar by stressing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including accreditation bodies, universities, and the government. A flexible and holistic approach can help overcome challenges in safeguarding education quality, creating a better education system for future generations. This webinar offered deep insights into the role of ethics in maintaining education quality.

Reporter : Alvira Rahmasari, S.H.G.
Editor : Rafi Khairuna Wibisono, S.Kom

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