State of implementation of clinical ethics case conferences by visiting nurse station managers and their needs for support

Abstract

  This survey aimed to assess the state of implementation of clinical ethics case conferences by visiting nurse station managers and their needs for support. The participants were managers from 1,500 visiting nurse stations nationwide. Valid responses were obtained from 393 managers. The survey period was from November to December in 2019. The questionnaire included the following items : recognition and practice of the role of the clinical ethics consultant, feelings of burden, desire for online consultation with supportive specialists at the case conference, and desired systematic support. The results showed that the managers were aware of their role as a clinical ethics consultant, but not many of them practiced this role, with most of them finding it a burden. The managers wanted support from specialized nurses and experts in the health care and welfare system. They had concerns about the online consultation system, in view of breach in confidentiality, information leakage, and the reliability of consultation without in-person conversation.