What the Nurse does Exploring the nurses contribution to the resolution of ethical dilemmas in secondary care - the pilot study

Abstract

Introduction Nurses face ethical dilemmas as part of their professional practice and it is often these that cause the greatest concern for the patient, their family and the nurse (Storch 2004, DH,1999) . It is therefore important that we are able to understand what registered nurses contribute to addressing these dilemmas as they occur. Aim of the study The aim of this pilot study is to test the data collection methods for a study in order to examine what it is that Registered Nurses contribute to the resolution of ethical dilemmas as part of their nursing practice. Methods This is a qualitative study using audio recording of semi-structured interviews to collect narrative data from participants (Polit and Beck 2006). A two phased analysis was undertaken a thematic approach, followed by a narrative analysis to examine the cultural dimensions within the clinical setting (Burns and Grove 2001). Results Questions required minor amendments and three themes emerged from the data: Organisational priorities Nurse – phycian relationship ‘Best for the patient’ Discussion incl. Conclusion Participants identified and discussed conflicts that have arisen between organisational objectives, procedures or protocol and that which was thought to be ‘best for the patient’. Practical relevance This pilot study highlighted the importance of developing the appropriate interviewing skills required for data collection and appropriate wording of questions to illicit the required data from participants prior to undertaking major study Research implications Three key areas identified by registered nurses in relation to ethical dilemmas where further research would be beneficia