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Essay about Ethics in Nursing Research

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Ethics of Nursing Research Conducting quality research requires the researcher to perform within both ethical and legal guidelines. “Ethics is the study of right and wrong” (Houser, J., 2012, pg.50). Ethics provide the avenue for decision making and are guided by the researcher’s integrity. Legal guidelines provide direction to the researcher by specifying what is required by law to conduct research. As a nurse researcher, it is an ethical duty to advocate for patients when incompetent, unethical or illegal practices are observed. There are three basic principles to consider when evaluating the ethics of a study: 1) respect for persons, 2) beneficence, and 3) justice (Houser, J., 2012, pg. 54-56). To apply these …show more content…

57). This exchange of information should be administered at a 5th grade comprehension level. The subject should be willing to participate in the study with no reward offered for participation. The informed consent process begins with participant selection and ends with a signed document of agreement. In the case study regarding Mr. and Mrs. G, there were many questionable areas of concern regarding ethical practices and obtainment of an informed consent. As the nurse researcher, the duty to advocate for the patient is of primary concern. The first concern recognized through this case study is that of vague description of the study. As the nurse researcher, I would need to be made aware of the data collection process and the parameters upon which the research is based. Obtainment of data to be used in research must maintain patient confidentiality. Did the researchers use patient medical records, family member interviews, patient interviews or staff involvement in patient selection? Were there any HIPPA violations in the selection process? Were the subjects informed that they were being screened for participation? I would also need to assess the preliminary review of literature that is driving this particular study. What is the appropriate time to conduct a study such as this? Is the purpose of this study going to facilitate a change in patient outcomes? Awareness of the motivation for this study and the benefit that is expected to the future

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