2021 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 15-26
Objective: We conducted an action research to investigate whether an ethics conference organized by nurse administrators during clinical practice promoted the ethical sensitivity of the nursing staff and their practice of ethical nursing care.Methods: Based on the research plan, we asked nurse administrators to hold an ethics conference in their nursing areas, and summarize their assessment and unresolved issues after the conference. In addition, we asked them to participate in focus group interviews that were held after the conference. The interview narratives were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, but information from which an individual could be identified was excluded. Ethical considerations: This study was approved by the institutional review board of Tenri Hospital (approval no. 925). All participants voluntarily joined in the study and their personal information was protected.Results: Nine nurse administrators from four nursing areas participated in the study. Generic categories in conducting an ethics conference for the first time included: the administrators who participated in the study; Selected conference members and limited their number at planning and they; Scheduled not to exceed the time frame, while at the second or later conferences, they; Arranged interprofessional conference and they; Held the conference in response to the requirement of the nursing staff. The participants acknowledged that the nursing staff; Enhanced their ethical sensitivity, they; Changed their attitude toward patients and family, and they; Committed themselves on familiarizing the ethics conference. Over the course of the study, the participants acknowledged their role in; Leading the future direction of nursing care and in; Creating suitable circumstances for the conference to become prevailing. Furthermore, they; Prepared the conference in advance, they; Gave advice to grasp ethical issues, and finally they; Become confident in holding the conference regularly.Conclusion: Ethics conferences organized by nurse administrators promote the ethical sensitivity of the nursing staff and their practice of ethical nursing care. The conference is expected to be held regularly.
