Examining Key Educational Components for Ethical Education to Support Decision-Making : Focusing on Patients in the Early Phase Following a Diagnosis of Diabetes

Abstract

  This study aimed to identify key educational components for ethical education in decision-making support for patients in the early phase following diagnosis of diabetes. A self-administered questionnaire survey of 780 Certified Nurse Specialists in Chronic Care Nursing and Certified Nurses in diabetes Nursing was conducted (number of valid responses : 333), utilizing a 24-item questionnaire derived from existing literature. The results showed that 23 items were deemed necessary by over 80％ of respondents, encompassing areas such as patient rights (11 items), ethical principles (5 items), informed consent (1 item), nursing advocacy (1 item), nurses’ responsibilities and duties (2 items), ethical issue resolution through collaboration among healthcare professionals (2 items), and nurses’ care and caring (1 item). These items were deemed essential for ethical education supporting patient decision making. One item related to paternalism was considered necessary by less than 50％ of respondents. Additional components suggested by respondents included patient responsibilities, addressing stigma, and shared decision-making. The findings may inform the development of ethical education for patients with newly diagnosed diabetes. Future research should aim to identify the core components of ethical education that must be covered at a minimum in educational interventions for patients.