Ethical Challenges Encountered by Clinical Trials Nurses: A Grounded Theory Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Clinical Trials
• Ethics

Background:

• Ethical challenges are common for oncology clinical trials nurses (OCTNs).
• Limited research exists on how OCTNs manage these ethical dilemmas.
• A theoretical framework is needed to understand OCTN's practical experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ethical challenges encountered by oncology clinical trials nurses (OCTNs).
• To examine the strategies OCTNs use to resolve ethical conflicts in their practice.

Main Methods:

• Classical grounded theory (CGT), an inductive methodology, was employed.
• Data were collected from 12 licensed RNs practicing as OCTNs in US academic medical centers.
• CGT data analysis strategies were used to develop a theory grounded in the data.

Main Results:

• The primary concern identified was implementing an undefined job role.
• OCTNs resolve this concern through a process termed 'figuring it out'.
• This process involves learning on the job, utilizing assets, asserting their position, and managing hope.

Conclusions:

• This study provides a theoretical understanding of how OCTNs manage ethical challenges.
• The findings fill a gap in nursing literature regarding OCTN's practical ethical navigation.
• A framework for understanding OCTN's response to professional challenges is established.