The scope of ethical dilemmas in paediatric nursing: a survey of nurses from a tertiary paediatric centre in Australia

Abstract

Background: No previous study has provided evidence for the scope and frequency of ethical dilemmas for paediatric nurses. It is essential to understand this to optimise patient care and tailor ethics support for nurses. Research aim: The aim of this study was to explore the scope of nurses’ ethical dilemmas in a paediatric hospital and their engagement with the hospital clinical ethics service. Research design: This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Participants and research context: Paediatric nursing staff in a tertiary paediatric centre in Australia completed an online survey asking about their exposure to a range of ethical dilemmas and their knowledge of the clinical ethics s..