An Evaluation of the Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Psychiatric Nurses in Patient Care: A Case Study of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
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Background of the Study
Psychiatric nursing is a specialized field within healthcare that involves the care and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders. It is one of the most challenging and emotionally demanding branches of nursing, requiring nurses to navigate complex ethical dilemmas as they provide care for patients with diverse psychiatric conditions. Ethical challenges in psychiatric nursing often arise due to the unique nature of psychiatric disorders, which may affect a patient’s ability to make informed decisions, manage their behaviors, or fully participate in treatment (Adeyemi & Nwachukwu, 2023).
At the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo, psychiatric nurses routinely care for patients with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, among others. The ethical dilemmas encountered by these nurses often center around issues of patient autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality, and the use of restraint or involuntary treatment (Eze et al., 2024). While these ethical issues are common in psychiatric care globally, their resolution can be particularly challenging in Nigerian healthcare settings, where resource limitations, cultural perceptions, and societal stigma may influence decision-making processes. This study will evaluate the ethical dilemmas faced by psychiatric nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo, and how these dilemmas are navigated in the context of patient care.
Statement of the Problem
Psychiatric nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo, are frequently faced with ethical challenges that affect their professional practice and patient care. These dilemmas may arise from conflicting interests, limited resources, cultural expectations, and the tension between maintaining patient autonomy and ensuring safety. Issues such as involuntary hospitalization, the use of restraints, and the balancing of a patient's rights with their need for care often place psychiatric nurses in morally difficult positions (Idris & Ayodele, 2023). Despite the importance of these ethical issues in psychiatric care, there is a lack of in-depth research into how psychiatric nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital navigate these challenges. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in this setting and the strategies they employ to resolve these issues.
Objectives of the Study
- To identify the primary ethical dilemmas faced by psychiatric nurses in patient care at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo.
- To assess how psychiatric nurses make ethical decisions in complex patient care situations.
- To explore the impact of ethical dilemmas on the professional practice and emotional well-being of psychiatric nurses.
Research Questions
- What are the primary ethical dilemmas faced by psychiatric nurses in patient care at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo?
- How do psychiatric nurses navigate these ethical dilemmas in their daily practice?
- What are the psychological and professional impacts of ethical dilemmas on psychiatric nurses?
Research Hypotheses
- Psychiatric nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo, experience significant ethical dilemmas related to patient care.
- Ethical dilemmas significantly impact the professional practice and emotional well-being of psychiatric nurses.
- There is a significant relationship between the ethical challenges faced by psychiatric nurses and their decision-making strategies.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on psychiatric nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uyo, and explores the ethical dilemmas they encounter in patient care. Limitations include the potential for subjective responses, as nurses may be influenced by personal biases or fears of professional repercussions when discussing sensitive ethical issues. Additionally, the study will focus on nurses’ experiences within the hospital setting, which may not be fully representative of psychiatric nurses in other Nigerian healthcare institutions.
Definitions of Terms
- Ethical dilemmas: Situations in which nurses must make difficult choices that involve conflicting moral principles or values.
- Psychiatric nurses: Healthcare professionals who specialize in the care of individuals with mental health disorders, providing both medical and psychological support.
- Informed consent: The process through which patients are made fully aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a treatment or intervention before agreeing to it.
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