Unveiling the experiences of operation room nurses on ethical issues: a phenomenological study in Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia, 2022.

Abstract

Background: Operating room nurses are critical in upholding high ethical standards in fast-paced and high-stakes environment to guarantee the safety and well-being of patients undergoing surgery to resolve life-threatening situations. A deeper understanding of ethical issues in the Operating Room helps tailor interventions and policies to address real-world challenges, enhance patient care, and assist healthcare professionals.

Objective: This study explored the lived experiences of Operating Room nurses regarding ethical issues in Operating Room at Adama Hospital Medical College in Adama, Ethiopia, in 2022.

Method: A qualitative study using the hermeneutic phenomenological method was conducted at Adama Hospital Medical College from March 15, 2022 to April 15, 2022. Eighteen nurses were selected as participants using maximum variation purposive sampling. The data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data was then imported into Atlas Ti 8 software to be coded and categorized. To ensure trustworthiness, the basic principles such as credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability were applied. Data analysis was conducted based on the Van Manen (2016) method and the results were summarized using thematic analysis.

Results: The study revealed two main themes and ten sub-themes regarding ethical issues faced by operating room nurses. The main themes were issues related with safeguarding patient dignity and issues of Staff Professionalism and Respectful Interaction.

Conclusion: Upholding ethical principles and standards are critical for improving patient care and fostering positive relationships. Concepts such as Preoperative communication, ethical considerations in emergency surgeries, privacy, cultural and gender sensitivity, staff rapport, personal and professional competence, bearing responsibility, caring for patients with justice, and sterilization standards and aseptic techniques are crucial for participants. Addressing ethical concerns and ensuring compliance will enhance healthcare delivery in perioperative settings.