Ethical Issues in Nursing Research:: Deontological Perspective

A L I SS U E S I N N U R S I N G
ETHIC
R E SE A R C H :
G I CA L P E R S P EC T I V E
DEONTOLO
Prepared by:
Dinialyn C. Malacad, RN, EMT-B
Subject:
ng Research
Advance Method of Nursi
Deontology Theory: Balancing Rights & Obligations
 Deontological ethics are based on duties and rights and respect
individuals as ends in themselves.
 It places value on the intentions of the
individual (rather than the outcomes of
any action) and focuses on rules,
obligations and duties.
Deontology requires absolute
adherence to these obligations and
acting from duty is viewed as acting
ethically.
Topic:
Subject: Ethical Issues in Nursing Research: Deontological Perspective Prepared by:
Advance Method of Nursing Research Dinialyn C. Malacad, RN, EMT-B
 One of the key criticisms in healthcare
is that applying a strictly deontological
approach to healthcare can lead to
conflicts of interest between equally
entitled individuals which can be
difficult or even seemingly impossible
to resolve.
Topic:
Kant’s deontological perspective implies people are sensitive to moral
duties that require or prohibit certain behaviors, irrespective of the
consequences
The main focus of deontology is duty:
deontology is derived from the Greek
word deon, meaning duty.
A duty is morally mandated action, for

instance, the duty never to lie and always to
keep your word. Based on Kant, even when
individuals do not want to act on duty they are
ethically obligated to do so.
Topic:
 Kant believed duties were absolute and unconditional and called them categorical
imperatives. A categorical imperative is all people have a “perfect” duty in that if
their actions were universalized, there would be no contraindications.
A nursing example would be a 19 year old girl was in the critical care unit in the
hospital and is terrified. Hospital policy states they only allow visit every three hours
for five minutes in the critical care unit. The
girl is begging the nurse to allow her parents
to stay with her. The nurse follows deontology,
and will not allow the parents to stay because
it is against the rules.
Topic:
Ethical Issues in conducting a research
 BENEFICENCE
 The principle of beneficence requires that one prevents harm
to competent persons, removes harmful conditions, and does
good for the benefit of others.
 When applying deontology to research, it implies that the
nurse not only must not harm the patient, but the nurse must
also try to benefit the patient. Beneficence is the underlying
principle in all medicine, health care, and research whereby
physicians and nurses are primarily guided by a professional
code of ethics. The nurse acts to safeguard the patient and
the public when health care and safety are affected by the
incompetent, unethical, or illegal practice of any person.”
Topic:
 NONMALEFICENCE
 Nonmaleficence is defined as freedom from harm. Harm may be

classified as physical, emotional, social, or potential risks to the
client. Within the health care setting, physicians and nurses must
be aware of possible complications, particularly those that risk
permanent damage. Strategies should be in place to manage
adverse events within this setting.
 Nonmaleficence, applied to research, assumes that no harm

should come to the patient. Potential risks to the patient must be
reviewed by both the physician and the patient and informed
consent obtained.
Topic:
 AUTONOMY
 Nursing practice must truly respect patients as
dignified human beings who are capable of deciding
what is in their own best interest.
 The fundamental principle of nursing practice is

respect for the inherent dignity and worth of every
client. Nurses are morally obligated to respect human
existence and the individuality of all persons who are
the recipients of nursing actions. Nurses therefore
must take all reasonable means to protect and
preserve human life.
Topic:
 JUSTICE
The ethical principle of justice requires that

medical care be fair to all participants. The mere
fact that someone is a patient renders him or her
vulnerable. All patients have the right to quality
care, and any breach of this standard of care by the
physician or nurse violates the patient's right to
justice.
It was the researcher responsibility in the research
to assure that an appropriate standard of care was
maintained.
Subject: Prepared by:
Conclusion
 There are a number of moral issues that face the health care
profession as a whole. As a result, adverse outcomes are an inevitable
part of medical practice. However, standards of care must be upheld
in all professions to provide advocacy and protection for patients in
vulnerable positions. Nurses need to take steps to minimize risk and
improve the quality of care in these increasingly complex times of
change. Following nursing standards and codes of ethics improves
communication with colleagues while protecting and
advocating for the patient and quality care.
Topic:
THE E N D
Topic: Prepared by:
es in N u rs in g R es earc h : Deontological
Ethical Issu Dinialyn C. Malacad, RN, EMT-B
Perspective
Subject:
ng Research
Advance Method of Nursi

Ethical Issues in Nursing Research:: Deontological Perspective

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A L I SS U E S I N N U R S I N G

A duty is morally mandated action, for

 Nonmaleficence is defined as freedom from harm. Harm may be

 Nonmaleficence, applied to research, assumes that no harm

 The fundamental principle of nursing practice is

The ethical principle of justice requires that

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