Seminar Report: Ethical Issues in Medical-Surgical Nursing and Forensic Nursing
Date: 11/11/23
Location: Stephens College of Nursing Jammu
Participants: 40
Objective:
The objective of this seminar was to explore the ethical issues that arise in medical-surgical
nursing and forensic nursing, and to provide a platform for discussion and debate on the
complex moral dilemmas that nurses face in these specialties.
Background:
Medical-surgical nursing and forensic nursing are two specialties that present unique ethical
challenges. Medical-surgical nurses often encounter patients with complex medical conditions,
multiple comorbidities, and high-risk treatments, which can raise questions about informed
consent, patient autonomy, and end-of-life care. Forensic nurses, on the other hand, work with
patients who have been victims of crime, abuse, or neglect, and must navigate issues related to
confidentiality, privilege, and the duty to report.
Key Elements:
*Medical-Surgical Nursing: *
1. Informed Consent: Ensuring that patients have the capacity to make informed decisions
about their care, and that they are fully aware of the risks and benefits of treatment.
2. Patient Autonomy: Respecting patients’ rights to make decisions about their own care, even
if those decisions may not align with the nurse’s personal values or beliefs.
3. End-of-Life Care: Navigating the complex ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care,
including palliative care, hospice care, and assisted dying.
4. Resource Allocation: Managing limited resources, such as organs for transplantation, and
making decisions about who should receive them.
*Forensic Nursing: *
1. Confidentiality: Maintaining confidentiality in cases where patients have been victims of
crime, abuse, or neglect, while also ensuring that the nurse’s duty to report is upheld.
2. Privilege: Understanding the concept of privilege and how it applies to forensic nursing
practice, including the duty to maintain confidentiality and the exceptions to that duty.
3. Duty to Report: Navigating the complex issues surrounding the duty to report, including
when and how to report suspected abuse or neglect.
4. Cultural Competence: Providing culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse
backgrounds, and being aware of the cultural nuances that may impact forensic nursing
practice.
Case Studies:
Several case studies were presented during the seminar, including:
1. A patient with a complex medical condition who refuses treatment, raising questions about
informed consent and patient autonomy.
2. A victim of domestic violence who is hesitant to report the abuse, raising questions about
confidentiality and the duty to report.
3. A patient who is nearing the end of life and requests assisted dying, raising questions about
end-of-life care and the nurse’s role in supporting the patient’s wishes.
Recommendations:
1. Develop Clear Policies and Procedures:_ Develop clear policies and procedures for
managing ethical issues in medical-surgical nursing and forensic nursing.
2. Provide Ongoing Education and Training:_ Provide ongoing education and training for
nurses on ethical issues, including informed consent, patient autonomy, and end-of-life care.
3. Foster a Culture of Open Communication:_ Foster a culture of open communication among
nurses, patients, and families, to ensure that ethical issues are addressed in a timely and
effective manner.
4. Encourage Interdisciplinary Collaboration:_ Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration
among nurses, physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that
ethical issues are addressed from a holistic perspective.
Conclusion:
The seminar provided a platform for nurses to discuss and debate the complex ethical issues
that arise in medical-surgical nursing and forensic nursing. The case studies and group
discussions highlighted the need for clear policies and procedures, ongoing education and
training, and a culture of open communication to address these issues.
Future Directions:
1. Develop a Code of Ethics: Develop a code of ethics for medical-surgical nursing and forensic
nursing that provides clear guidance on ethical issues.
2. Conduct Research: Conduct research on the ethical issues that arise in medical-surgical
nursing and forensic nursing, to inform policy and practice.
3. Provide Support and Resources: Provide support and resources for nurses who are struggling
with ethical issues, including counselling and mentorship programs.
_Appendix:_
- List of participants
- Seminar agenda
- Presentation slides
- References and resources
