A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Perspectives of nurses and patient representatives on the morally competent nurse: An international focus group study
Authors: Gastmans, Chris; Mertens, Evelyne; Palese, Alvisa; Keogh, Brian; Apolloni, Francesca; Wiisak, Johanna; Cabe, Catherine Mc; Dimitriadou, Maria; Galazzi, Alessandro; Igoumenidis, Michael; Stefanopoulos, Nikos; Charitou, Paraskevi; Papastavrou, Evridiki; Suhonen, Riitta; Chiappinotto, Stefania; Promocon Consortium
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Publication year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances
Journal name in source: International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances
Article number: 100296
Volume: 8
First page : 100296
eISSN: 2666-142X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2025.100296
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2025.100296
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/491246522
Background: Across the world, healthcare systems have become increasingly complex, making it more difficult for nurses to act ethically when faced with moral dilemmas. The COVID-19 pandemic in particular revealed ethical challenges, highlighting the need for nurses to attain high levels of moral competence. Nurses who attain moral competency provide superior patient care because they have integrated clinical competence with sensitivity to moral values. Understanding what comprises moral competence in nursing is crucial to stimulate and support consistent ethical behaviour. However, most studies to date on moral competence in nursing have been conducted at a national level and only from a particular stakeholders’ perspective, thereby limiting their utility.
Objective: To explore and document the characteristics of the morally competent nurse from the perspectives of nurses and patient representatives practicing in Europe.
Design: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted.
Methods: Semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted to collect data. Data were analysed with a descriptive thematic method.
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Funding information in the publication:
Funding was provided by the Erasmus + programme of the European Union (agreement no. 2022–1-IT02-KA220-HED000087544). The European Commission’s support to produce this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors. Thus, the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained therein.
