An Exploratory Study of Disgust Sensitivity among Medical Practitioners

This qualitative exploratory study provides a nuanced examination of the complexities surrounding disgust sensitivity among medical practitioners, shedding light on its manifestation in daily practice and its multifaceted impact on patient care and professional well-being. The research utilized an in-depth semi-structured interview to get in-depth results on how disgust sensitivity affects the medical practitioner's life. This study incorporated purposive sampling and the sample size of this research was four medical practitioners. Thematic analysis was applied to extract recurrent themes and variations, providing a comprehensive overview of the participants' experiences. The study reveals that disgust sensitivity manifests behaviorally, emotionally, and in clinical decision-making, influencing early career experiences and patient care. Medical practitioners employ various strategies to manage sensitivity, emphasizing training, collaboration, and ethical considerations. The impact on interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being is evident, calling for tailored approaches to ensure effective patient care. Factors such as gender, experience level, and speciality play crucial roles in shaping individual responses. Reflexivity was maintained to acknowledge the researcher's outsider status. This study contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of disgust sensitivity in medical practice, offering a foundation for further research and interventions to enhance healthcare professionals' well-being and patient outcomes.