5.5.2 Are nurse educators conducting ethical research with student nurses? (188)

Edward Kinrade, Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Primary Care Practise, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom Co authors: Sheila Dunbar

Abstract:

Introduction:

Nurse educators are engaged in planning and conducting research with pre-registration student nurses and with registered nurses who are undertaking post-registration studies. Additionally, many have conducted research with their students for higher degree or teaching certification course work. A review of recently published research indicates that nurse educators engaged in such research are as liable as any other group of health professionals to disregard the ethical rights of student participants. It is doubtful as to how much of this research has been subjected to formal ethical approval processes. The focus of this presentation arose from research being undertaken for PhD studies into the development of student nurses' work related values. The presenter, positioned in just such a dual role, had to recognise ethical implications that could affect adversely the quality of research design.

Aims:

This paper identifies the ethical dilemmas facing researchers who are conducting research with students with whom they also have an active teaching role. Concepts of ethical approval, informed consent, and confidentiality as they confront the educator/researcher are explored.

Methods:

Thematic literature review drawing upon a sample (n=30) of research published about nurse education, between 2005 - 2007. Sample reviewed identified student nurses as the main participants and as the primary source for data.

Results & conclusions:

Safeguards that serve to protect student nurses from involvement in unethical research appear to be ignored by a significant number of educator/researchers. Local and professional safeguard processes when not applied have a negative impact on student nurses involved in such research. This has the potential to adversely affect their willingness to participate in future research activities. Issues of power and control in relationships with research participants are crucial to design quality, affecting survey data collected.

Recommended reading list:

  • Aveyard H and Hawley G (2007) How to do ethical health care research Ch16. in Ethics in Clinical Practice - an inter-professional approach. ed. Hawley G., Pearson Education. Harlow. England
  • Cohen L. Manion L and Morrison K (2003) Research Methods in Education. 5th Edition,. Routledge/Falmer. London
  • COREC (2004) New Operational Procedures for NHS REC's 2004. Central Office for Research Ethics Committees

Source of Funding: N/A

Level of Funding: N/A

Biography:

Eddie Kinrade is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing and Community Care Practice, Liverpool John Moores University. Eddie has a particular teaching interest in personal and professional development issues and in psychology related to health care practices. A nurse educator since 1990, and has been activley involved in developing and delivering both mental health and adult nursing programmes. Has previously published research investigating student nurses's perceptions of the value of practice research and factors affecting the development of student nurse's work related values. Currently engaged in PhD studies, Eddie is particularly interested in the interface area of professional values versus organisational values and the impact of this on nursing practice.