Levels of exposure to ethical conflict in the ICU: correlation between sociodemographic variables and the clinical environment

Objectives: To analyse the level of exposure of nurses to ethical conflict and determine the relationship between this exposure, sociodemographic variables and perceptions of the clinical environment. Design and setting: Prospective and descriptive correlational study conducted at 10 intensive care...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Falcó Pegueroles, Anna M. (Anna Marta), Lluch Canut, Ma. Teresa, Martínez Estalella, Gemma, Zabalegui Yárnoz, Adelaida, Delgado-Hito, Pilar, Via-Clavero, Gemma, Guàrdia-Olmos, Joan, 1958-
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2016
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/225309
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/225309
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Personal sanitari
Infermeria en cures intensives
Competències professionals
Medical personnel
Intensive care nursing
Vocational qualifications
Descripción
Sumario:Objectives: To analyse the level of exposure of nurses to ethical conflict and determine the relationship between this exposure, sociodemographic variables and perceptions of the clinical environment. Design and setting: Prospective and descriptive correlational study conducted at 10 intensive care units in two tertiary hospitals affiliated to the University of Barcelona. Sociodemographic and professional data were recorded from a questionnaire and then the previously validated Ethical Conflict in Nursing Questionnaire-Critical Care Version was administered to obtain data regarding experiences of ethical conflict. Results: Two hundred and three nurses (68.6%) participated in the study, of whom only 11.8% had training in bioethics. Exposure to ethical conflict was moderate with a x¯=182.35 (SD=71.304; [0-389]). The realisation that analgesia is ineffective and the administration of treatment without having participated in the decision-making process were the most frequently reported ethical conflicts. Professionals who perceived their environment as supportive for dealing with ethical conflicts reported lower levels of these events (p=0.001). Conclusions: Ethical conflict is an internal problem but it is strongly influenced by certain variables and environmental conditions. The involvement of nurses in the decision-making processes regarding the care of critically ill patients emerges as a factor that protects against ethical conflicts.