Nr439 Week 4: Ethical and Legal Issues
Nr439 Week 4: Ethical. This week’s graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcomes (COs).
CO1 Examine the sources of evidence that contribute to professional nursing practice. (PO 7)
CO2 Apply research principles to the interpretation of the content of published research studies. (POs 4 and 8)
CO3 Identify ethical issues common to research involving human subjects. (PO 6)
CO4 Evaluate published nursing research for credibility and lab significance related to evidence-based practice. (POs 4 and 8)
CO5 Recognize the role of research findings in evidence-based practice. (POs 7 and 8)
Read one of the following.
Stefaniak, M., & Mazurkiewicz, B. (2017). The importance of adhering to high standards of research ethics. British Journal of Nursing, 26(1), 62.
Feeney, S., & Freeman, N. K. (2016). Ethical issues: Responsibilities and dilemmas. YC: Young Children, 71(1), 86. A
Questions for first article:
Describe one reason for adhering to high standards in ethics.
What are the dangers of conflict of interest?
Questions for second article:
Discuss the difference between ethical responsibility and ethical dilemma.
Share an experience of ethical dilemma or moral distress in nursing today.
Nr439 Week 4: Ethical Answer
As asserted by Stefaniak and Mazurkiewicz (2017), research-related endeavors stand as pivotal drivers of scientific advancement within the medical domain. The escalating reliance on robust scientific studies in recent years underscores their instrumental role in shaping progress. However, a looming concern arises as there is a discernible risk that research endeavors may succumb to the influence of financial agreements and other vested interests. Such external pressures hold the potential to significantly compromise the integrity and reliability of the research. Despite the multifaceted reasons advocating for adherence to elevated ethical standards, a paramount objective is to fortify the steadfastness and conscientiousness inherent in research practices.
The imperative of upholding stringent ethical standards is underscored by the pivotal role they play in ensuring the reliability and validity of research outcomes. Ethical rigor becomes a bulwark against the encroachment of monetary contracts and external interests that might sway the course of scientific inquiry. By adhering to ethical norms, researchers fortify the foundation of their studies, fostering a research environment that is characterized by trustworthiness and accuracy.
This commitment to ethical research practices extends beyond a mere procedural formality; it serves as the linchpin for elevating the standards of patient care. Reliable and valid research outcomes empower nurses and other healthcare practitioners to enhance their professional practice. In the realm of medicine, where decisions directly impact patient well-being, the significance of trustworthy research cannot be overstated. Ethically conducted research becomes the cornerstone for informed medical practices, leading to the delivery of superior care to patients.
In conclusion, the emphasis on high ethical standards in research, as emphasized by Stefaniak and Mazurkiewicz (2017), is not only a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for safeguarding the reliability and conscientiousness of scientific inquiry. As nurses and other medical practitioners engage with research outcomes, the adherence to ethical principles becomes the conduit through which the practice of healthcare is elevated, ensuring that patient care is anchored in the bedrock of sound and trustworthy evidence.
