Narrative ethics in nursing for persons with intellectual disabilities

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Ethics
• Intellectual Disabilities

Background:

• 'Life story work' is emerging in nursing for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands and Britain.
• This narrative approach addresses the 'disabled authorship' and neglect of personal identities in standard care practices.
• It highlights the need to consider clients' and caregivers' identities, contexts, and spiritual needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that narrative ethics provides a moral framework for life story work in intellectual disability nursing.
• To demonstrate how life story work practices embody narrative ethics in action.
• To explore the relationship between life story work and key characteristics of narrative ethics.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis linking life story work to narrative ethics.
• Examination of the teleological, phenomenological, and hermeneutic-interpretative dimensions of narrative ethics.
• Exploration of the impact on client understanding and caregiver self-understanding.

Main Results:

• Life story work aligns with narrative ethics, offering a framework that respects individual identities and contexts.
• The teleological aspect fosters mutual understanding and self-reflection between clients and caregivers.
• Phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches aim for profound connection and recognition in care relationships.

Conclusions:

• Narrative ethics is a suitable moral framework for life story work in intellectual disability nursing.
• Life story work serves as a practical application of narrative ethics, promoting deeper human connection.
• Practices should foster respect for life's openness and multiple narrative possibilities, though methodology alone cannot guarantee profound moments.