Corroborating indicates nurses’ ethical values in a geriatric ward

• Main Authors: Lise-Lotte Jonasson, Per-Erik Liss, Björn Westerlind, Carina Berterö
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2011-09-01
• Series: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
• Subjects: Ethical values; geriatric wards; grounded theory; nursing ethics; nurses' behaviour
• Online Access: http://www.ijqhw.net/index.php/qhw/article/view/7291/11062

The aim of the study was to identify nurses’ ethical values, which become apparent through their behaviour in the interactions with older patients in caring encounters at a geriatric clinic.Descriptions of ethics in a caring practice are a problem since they are vague compared with the four principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.A Grounded Theory methodology was used. In total, 65 observations and follow-up interviews with 20 nurses were conducted, and data were analysed by constant comparative analysis. Three categories were identified: showing consideration, connecting, and caring for. These categories formed the basis of the core category: “Corroborating.” In corroborating, the focus is on the person in need of integrity and self-determination; that is, the autonomy principle. A similar concept was earlier described in regard to confirming. Corroborating deals more with support and interaction. It is not enough to be kind and show consideration (i.e., to benefit someone); nurses must also connect and care for the older person (i.e., demonstrate non-maleficence) in order to corroborate that person.The findings of this study can improve the ethics of nursing care. There is a need for research on development of a high standard of nursing care to corroborate the older patients in order to maintain their autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. The principal of justice was not specifically identified as a visible nursing action. However, all older patients received treatment, care, and reception in an equivalent manner.