Is there a case for paternalism in forensic nursing?

Area of Science:

• Forensic Nursing
• Bioethics
• Healthcare Law

Background:

• Forensic nurses balance patient advocacy with legal and societal obligations.
• Ethical dilemmas arise from the dual role of caregiver and investigator.
• Existing frameworks may not fully address the unique challenges in forensic nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the ethical conflicts faced by forensic nurses.
• To identify and propose solutions for these competing duties.
• To enhance ethical practice in forensic nursing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ethical theories and case studies.
• Analysis of professional codes of conduct.
• Exploration of interdisciplinary collaboration models.

Main Results:

• Identification of key ethical conflicts: confidentiality, informed consent, and duty to report.
• Development of a framework for ethical decision-making.
• Emphasis on clear communication and professional boundaries.

Conclusions:

• Forensic nurses require robust ethical guidelines and support systems.
• Proactive strategies can mitigate ethical distress.
• Upholding both patient rights and societal interests is achievable through ethical practice.