Implementation of Medical Ethics and Data Protection in Healthcare Practice: A Cross- Sectional Study from Georgia

Background The assessment of healthcare systems has increased the importance of medical ethics, particularly regarding data protection and patient autonomy. In many settings, historical developments, evolving legal frameworks, and gaps in professional training continue to shape ethical practice within healthcare delivery. However, there is limited empirical evidence on how medical ethics and data protection standards are translated into routine healthcare practice, highlighting the need for systematic assessment within transitioning health systems such as Georgia. Objectives The purpose of the study was to explore the implementation of ethical practices in the Georgian healthcare sector, with particular attention to challenges of patient confidentiality and data protection. The awareness healthcare professionals had was also assessed, including their attitudes and practices concerning medical ethics and digital privacy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 412 physicians and nurses across 30 hospitals in Georgia between May and November, 2024. A structured questionnaire was developed specifically for this study to assess the experience of healthcare professionals with ethical dilemmas and data protection, in particular sociodemographic characteristics, ethical perspectives and data protection practices. The internal consistency of ethics-related topics was verified (Cronbach’s α = 0.82), while data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 with Chi-square tests and Cramér’s V to determine group differences. Results While 74.3% of participants reported that their ethical decisions were made based on standard operating protocols, 18.2% were unaware of such protocols, indicating a gap in institutional communication. Only 22.8% had consulted an ethics committee, while around 70% had received recent training in data protection. Nurses were significantly less aware of data protection measures compared to physicians (p < 0.05). Key challenges identified included limited cybersecurity infrastructure, underutilization of formal ethical support mechanisms, and disparities in continuous professional development. Conclusions Despite existing ethical frameworks, their inconsistent application and a lack of standardized training compromise ethical decision-making in the Georgian healthcare system. Institutional reforms are needed to improve ethical awareness, enhance cybersecurity, ensure compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and promote continuous professional education. These measures are essential for safeguarding patient rights and building trust in the healthcare sector.