Budgetary restrictions and ethical behaviours in a hospital context – evidence from general surgeons

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study how budgetary constraints can have ethical implications on patient treatment options. Design/methodology/approach By applying a qualitative methodological approach (interviews) and participant observation, studies the behaviour surgeons in scenarios financial restriction. Findings empirical findings show that despite conflict between economy leges artis, maintain deontological principles their profession with fair rules orientation. Practical importance be realised by its continuity. One authors already implicated wider research investigate influence economic scarcity resources general surgeons’ behaviours. Social This contribution understanding restrain activities surgeons. Politicians sometimes do not full pressures medical faces day-to-day activities. Currently, addition problems relate COVID-19, politicians populations seem better understand Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), hopes will only conjectural moment. Originality/value In conjunction recession began first decade century, health institutions long faced condition material human correspondingly shape scope professional Until now, it has been studied impact crises Portuguese Therefore, step useful (or not) conduct these professionals.