Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Proper Care and Cleaning of the Microscope
Published on: August 11, 2008
Wrongdoing and whistleblowing in health care
Johanna Pohjanoksa1, Minna Stolt1, Riitta Suhonen1,2
1Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Aim(S):
To describe healthcare professionals' experiences of observed wrongdoing and potential whistleblowing acts regarding it. The main goal is to strengthen the whistleblowing process described based on the existing literature and to make it more visible for future research.
Design:
A descriptive cross-sectional survey.
Methods:
Data were collected between 26 June 2015-17 July 2015 from the Finnish trade union's membership register, electronically using one open question. A total of 226 healthcare professionals participated providing written narratives, which were analysed using inductive content analysis.
Findings:
The whistleblowing process in health care was strengthened, identifying the content of observed wrongdoings and whistleblowing acts regarding them. Three themes were identified: wrongdoing related to patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare managers. Whistleblowing acts were performed internally, externally, or left undone. Three main paths: internal, external, and no whistleblowing, between an observation of wrongdoing and whistleblowing act were identified.
Conclusion:
The whistleblowing process should be further developed and ethically effective programmes and interventions should be developed for increasing whistleblowing and preventing wrongdoing in health care.
Related Concept Videos
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
Traditional Level Of Health Care System
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
Health Literacy
Continuing Care

