Codes of Practical and Informed Consent, Essay Example

The American Nurses association released a document entitled “The Nurse’s Role in Ethics and Human Rights: Promoting and Protecting Individual Worth, Dignity, and Human Rights in Practice Settings” (ANA, 2010). Briefly, this document states that nurses are required to protect the rights of their patients. This document was created due to the increased involvement in research that nurses have in the modern care setting. Examples that are highlighted include respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Previous versions of this document have described the interactions between nurses and their patients as one that should always operate in the best interest of the patient. However, this document has expanded to include a discussion of informed consent, which is necessary for health professionals to ensure that their study participants have a sufficient understanding of their rights.

Specifically, this document indicates that the process of informed consent must be ongoing (Leedy & Ormrod, 2013). While many researchers provide their participants with informed consent documentation at the beginning of a study, it is important to ensure that these individuals understand potential risks of participation throughout their involvement (Hamer & Collinson, 2005). Thus, even if medical information is not provided in writing, nurses can ensure that they are supporting their patients by providing them with an understanding of procedures and/or treatments as applicable. Doing so will not only establish the patient’s trust, it will strengthen the quality of care they are able to receive as a result. Researchers often forget about the human aspect of research and the need to weigh potential harms against potential gains. However, it is important for these individuals to remain grounded so they are constantly working on the behalf of the patient’s interests.

References

ANA. (2010). The Nurse’s Role in Ethics and Human Rights: Promoting and Protecting Individual Worth, Dignity, and Human Rights in Practice Settings. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/Policy-Advocacy/Positions-and-Resolutions/ANAPositionStatements/Position-Statements-Alphabetically/Nursess-Role-in-Ethics-and-Human-Rights.pdf

Hamer, S. & Collinson, G. (2005). Achieving evidence based practice: A handbook for practitioners. (2nd ed.). New York City, New York: Baillere Tindale.

Leedy, P.D. & Ormrod, J.E. (2013). Practical research: Planning and design (10th ed.).

Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. [CourseSmart version]. Retrieved from http://www.coursesmart.com