Paediatric nursing and research ethics: is there a conflict?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Research Ethics
• Bioethics in Child Health
• Nursing Research Practice

Background:

• Conducting research with children presents unique ethical considerations.
• Existing ethical frameworks require careful application to pediatric populations.
• The dual role of pediatric nurses as practitioners and researchers necessitates ethical scrutiny.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline major ethical issues in pediatric research.
• To explore challenges in assessing children's competency for research consent.
• To examine potential conflicts of interest for pediatric nurses in research.

Main Methods:

• Review of major ethical theories and principles.
• Analysis of the congruency between the roles of pediatric nurse as researcher and practitioner.
• Discussion of decision-making processes regarding children's research participation.

Main Results:

• Significant ethical issues arise in pediatric research, particularly concerning informed consent.
• Assessing children's capacity to consent is complex and requires careful ethical consideration.
• Pediatric nurses may face conflicts between research commitments and safeguarding child well-being.

Conclusions:

• Ethical decision-making in pediatric research requires a robust understanding of ethical theories.
• Safeguarding children's interests is paramount, even when they are research participants.
• Further examination is needed to address the ethical congruency for nurses in dual roles.