Conscientious objection and nurses: Results of an interpretive phenomenological study

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1337-1349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Lamb ◽  
Yolanda Babenko-Mould ◽  
Marilyn Evans ◽  
Carol A Wong ◽  
Ken W Kirkwood

Background: While conscientious objection is a well-known phenomenon in normative and bioethical literature, there is a lack of evidence to support an understanding of what it is like for nurses to make a conscientious objection in clinical practice including the meaning this holds for them and the nursing profession. Research question: The question guiding this research was: what is the lived experience of conscientious objection for Registered Nurses in Ontario? Research design: Interpretive phenomenological methodology was used to gain an in-depth understanding of what it means to be a nurse making a conscientious objection. Purposive sampling with in-depth interview methods was used to collect and then analyze data through an iterative process. Participants and research context: Eight nurse participants were interviewed from across practice settings in Ontario, Canada. Each participant was interviewed twice over 9 months. Ethical considerations: This study was conducted in accordance with Health Science Research Ethics Board approval and all participants gave consent. Findings: Six themes emerged from data analysis: encountering the problem, knowing oneself, taking a stand, alone and uncertain, caring for others, and perceptions of support. Discussion: This study offers an initial understanding of what it is like to be a nurse making a conscientious objection in clinical practice. Implications for nursing practice, education, policy, and further research are discussed. Conclusion: Addressing ethical issues in nursing practice is complex. The need for education across nursing, healthcare disciplines and socio-political sectors is essential to respond to nurses’ ethical concerns giving rise to objections. Conscience emerged as an informant to nurses’ conscientious objections. The need for morally inclusive environments and addressing challenging ethical questions as well as the concept of conscience are relevant to advancing nursing ethics and ethical nursing practice.

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 166-169
Author(s):  
Ji-Hyun Lee ◽  
Branko Miladinovic ◽  
Michael J Schell

In health science research, comparing two groups on a continuous outcome variable is one of the most common statistical analyses performed. One must choose between two families of tests: parametric and nonparametric. Parametric methods depend upon more stringent assumptions, and violating these assumptions can result in incorrect conclusions. The dominant two-sample approach appearing in Medical Problems of Performing Artists seems to be the Student t-test, which is a parametric test. Despite being the standard choice, this test is not always appropriate. Common textbook prescriptions regarding its use are often misleading and defective in some respects. This article revisits the basic and methodologically important problems in comparing two groups and seeks to provide a practical guide to researchers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-78
Author(s):  
Rachel Hodgett ◽  
Richard Ward

Background: In the UK, around 500–600 people a year sustain traumatic injuries to the spinal cord, half of which involve the cervical spine. UK ambulance guidelines stipulate that if immobilisation is indicated, the entire spine should be immobilised using an orthopaedic scoop stretcher, head restraints and a rigid cervical collar. However, the use of cervical collars is being debated in the paramedic profession. Although they were originally considered harmless and used as a precautionary measure, an increasing amount of evidence suggests otherwise and it is argued that they can do more harm than good. Therefore, it is debatable whether using them is consistent with the principles of patient safety and evidence-based practice. Aim: A literature review was carried out to comprehensively examine research surrounding the adverse effects of cervical collars and the range of movement they allow to gain a comprehensive understanding of their efficacy. Methods: The EBSCOhost Health Science Research database was searched. Seven articles were found and chosen for inclusion in the literature review. Results: Two themes were identified regarding cervical collars: adverse effects and range of movement. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that cervical collars can cause more harm than good, and UK ambulance guidelines for spinal immobilisation should be reconsidered.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J Colvonen ◽  
Pamela N DeYoung ◽  
Naa-Oye A Bosompra ◽  
Robert L Owens

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 906-917
Author(s):  
Paola Gobbi ◽  
Maria Grazia Castoldi ◽  
Rosa Anna Alagna ◽  
Anna Brunoldi ◽  
Chiara Pari ◽  
...  

Background: The research question for this study was as follows: Is the Code of Ethics for Nurses in Italy (Code) a valid or useful decision-making instrument for nurses faced with ethical problems in their daily clinical practice? Method: Focus groups were conducted to analyze specific ethical problems through 11 case studies. The analysis was conducted using sections of the Code as well as other relevant documents. Each focus group had a specific theme and nurses participated freely in the discussions according to their respective clinical competencies. Ethical considerations: The executive administrative committee of the local nursing licensing council provided approval for conducting this project. Measures were taken to protect the confidentiality of consenting participants. Findings: The answer to the research question posed for this investigation was predominantly positive. Many sections of the Code were useful for discussion and identifying possible solutions for the ethical problems presented in the 11 cases. Conclusion: We concluded that the Code of Ethics for Nurses in Italy can be a valuable aid in daily practice in most clinical situations that can give rise to ethical problems.


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