International Journal of Nursing

Relationship between Ethical Issues in Fall Prevention Care and Nurses’ Characteristics
Akiko Hiyama

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to identify the ethical issues related to fall prevention and nurses’ personality and characteristics. Methods: This survey was conducted at 13 hospitals. Participants were nurses from various departments and were asked to complete and return their answered questionnaires within approximately 2 weeks of receiving it. Data were collected from the self-administered, anonymous questionnaires and were divided into four sections: background characteristics and ethical issues of fall prevention care, empathy, critical thinking, and work commitment. Results: A total of 414 nurses completed the survey, for an overall response rate of 74.5%. The mean score of the frequency of ethical issues related to fall prevention care for patients was 2.83. The mean score of the degree of stress was 3.00. Frequency and degree of stress, as well as years of nursing experience and job title, varied between males and females. Conclusion: This study indicated that many nurses face ethical or moral dilemmas and experience stress when it comes to providing fall prevention care. When nurses did not take on active roles as patient advocates and support patients’ will, their awareness of ethical dilemmas increased. Frequency and degree of stress differed only by sex, years of nursing experience, job title, and empathy.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v4n2a3