Concealing emotions: nurses' experiences with induced abortion care

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Medical Ethics
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Induced abortion involves complex emotional, ethical, and legal considerations.
• Previous research in Taiwan focused on women's experiences and ethical issues, neglecting nurses' perspectives.
• There's a gap in understanding the experiences of nurses involved in delivery room induced abortion care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of nurses providing induced abortion care in delivery rooms in Taiwan.
• To identify the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by these nurses.
• To understand the impact of socio-cultural beliefs on nurses' values and practices.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semistructured interviews.
• Purposive sampling selected 22 nurses involved in induced abortion care.
• Content analysis was employed to interpret interview data.

Main Results:

• A primary theme of 'concealing emotions' emerged.
• Associated subthemes included inability to refuse, contradictory emotions, mental unease, respect for life, and self-protection.
• Nurses' experiences are significantly influenced by socio-cultural beliefs, leading to moral distress and ethical dilemmas.

Conclusions:

• This is the first qualitative study in Taiwan focusing on nurses' experiences with induced abortion care.
• The study underscores the moral distress and ethical dilemmas nurses face, often due to concealing emotions.
• Findings indicate that nurses' rights are neglected and professional support systems are insufficient, necessitating interventions like value clarification and stress-relief education.