MORAL SENSITIVITY AND RELATED FACTORS: THE PERCEPTION OF NURSES

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate nurses’ perception regarding moral sensitivity and factors related to it. It is a qualitative study, with data collected in focus groups and analyzed using the technique of content analysis, in March 2016. A total of six nurses participated, from the following areas of work – palliative care, hematology, urgent care, the intensive care unit, and lecturing – from the city of Valencia in Spain. Four categories were surmised: the concept of moral sensitivity; the professional dimension; the relationship with the patient; and ethical education. The nurses investigated presented a restricted view of the concept of moral sensitivity, although they identified factors which influence moral sensitivity.

Keywords

• Moral development
• Ethics; nursing
• Morals
• Nursing