Ethical Issues in Practice: A Survey of Public Health Nurses in Japan

Abstract

Systematic continuing ethics education programs for PHNs need developing, tailored to the specific characteristics associated with PHNs' ethical concerns, such as nurses' working experience and the type of employing local government.

Review of sampling, sample and data collection procedures in nursing research ‐ An example of research on ethical climate as perceived by nurses

“…In one study, the option of a web‐based survey was used besides a paper–pencil questionnaire, and one study was an interview with open‐ended questions. Seven articles described the use of mailed questionnaires . In eight of the articles, the length of the data collection period (range from 3 weeks to over 6 months) was reported.…”

“…Some authors pointed out the lack of generalisability or selection bias . To avoid generalisability bias, research data were obtained from different regions of the country or throughout the whole nation .…”

“…listed lack of time and too many questions as reasons for nonresponse. In addition, administrators' refusal to provide workers' names was listed as a reason for not being able to analyse nonresponse, followed by ongoing studies at the same organisations, over‐researched staff and timing of the survey study .…”

Moral competence questionnaire for public health nurses in Japan: Scale development and psychometric validation

“…The questionnaire in the larger study (Asahara, et al, 2012) included 149 forced choice and eight open-ended questions resulting in six sections: (i) frequency of encountering ethical issues; (ii) moral competence; (iii) experiences influencing the decisions of PHN in practice; (iv) experiences with ethics education; (v) workplace environment related to ethical practices; and (vi) demographic data. This study focused on sections (ii) and (vi).…”

“…PHN develop close relationships with individuals and families as they care for them, while simultaneously providing services to community groups or community members (Canadian Nurses Association, ). Therefore, it is not unusual for PHN to encounter not only ethical conflicts with clients and families, but also ethical difficulties related to resource allocation and conflicts between choices based on individual versus community members' needs (Asahara, et al ., ; Horstman & Rens‐Leenaarts, ; Oberle & Tenove, ). Notably, Japanese PHN who work at local governmental units faced differences in views from administrators about providing services (Asahara et al ., ).…”