Table 2

Overview of themes and sub-themes that developed from the structural analysis of interviews with the high level decision-makers' experiences of being in ethically difficult situations.

Themes
Sub-themes

To be in a high position
Aloneness and Loneliness
Uncertainty
Lack of confirmation
Scapegoat
To be in an exposed position
Bombarded
Threats
To be strategic
Avoiding difficult decisions
Handling different opinions
To live with divided feelings
Loyalties vs. own conviction

Mamhidir et al. BMC Medical Ethics 2007 8:3   doi:10.1186/1472-6939-8-3