Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Ethical dilemmas experienced by nurses while caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative review
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Aim:
This study aimed to identify ethical dilemmas faced by nurses while caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background:
Nurses express several concerns during disease outbreaks, some of which are related to ethical dilemmas.
Evaluation:
It is an integrative review in which four databases were searched. Critical appraisal tools and PRISMA guidelines were used. Content analysis was performed to analyse the obtained data.
Key Issues:
A total of 14 studies were identified. The results are presented into four categories: concerns with beneficence-nonmaleficence; awareness of need for autonomy; challenges to justice; and coping with ethical dilemmas.
Conclusion:
While caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses often put their own health and that of their families at risk. The ethical dilemmas faced by nurses are mainly caused by the lack of Protective Personal Equipment (PPE), shortages of medical supplies and personnel and the uncertainties that permeate an environment threatened by a new and highly contagious disease such as COVID-19.
Implications For Nursing Management:
This review provides information that can inspire nurse managers working during the COVID-19 pandemic to support and empower nurses to act in accordance with ethical principles, which is important in order for nurses to protect themselves while providing efficient and effective care.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:17Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
01:25Ethical Standards I
The Code of Ethics provisions outline the nurse's duty to the patient, the healthcare team, the profession, and society. The Code's fundamental principles include advocacy,...
01:27Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
01:23Ethical Standards II
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy...