Aspek-aspek Etika Penanganan Pasien Tuberkulosis: Studi Kasus dan Tinjauan Literatur

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death and has the highest case burden in developing countries. Efforts to combat tuberculosis are becoming increasingly challenging due to social issues that impact the ethics of healthcare services. This study was based on a literature review and further developed through case studies involving two tuberculosis patients in a city in West Java Province. The literature review indicates that the primary challenges in TB care and treatment stem from information asymmetry and the high stigma faced by TB patients. This necessitates healthcare workers in medical facilities to provide comprehensive information both before and during treatment. In addition to fulfilling patients’ rights and reducing information asymmetry, this approach should be pursued as part of the moral responsibility or ethical behavior of healthcare professionals to promote the elimination of tuberculosis in primary health facilities. These findings were linear based on case studies involving patients as the informants. The first patient, a TB-RO case, experienced treatment failure during the first four months and resumed treatment in the 13th month. The patient reported not receiving complete information regarding the side effects of the treatment at the start, both in the general practitioner room and pharmacy unit and was not asked about their medical history. The second patient had been undergoing treatment for more than two months and it showed signs of physical improvement compared to their pre-treatment condition. According to the accompanying family member (of the second patient), the health workers explained the antibiotics and their possible side effects. Besides, in the pharmacy unit, the patients are also and were also provided with advice on necessary follow-up actions if certain symptoms arise.