An Ethical Appraisal of Informed Consent in the Clinical Setting.
- Author:
Byung Hye KONG
1
;
Won Hee LEE
;
In Sook KIM
;
Sue KIM
;
Sun Hee LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing, Chosun University, Korea. bhgong@chosun.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Informed consent;
Autonomy;
Communicative ethics;
Care ethics
- MeSH:
Delivery of Health Care;
Ethics;
Humans;
Informed Consent*;
Social Justice
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Adult Nursing
2007;19(4):556-566
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study attempted to analyze problems of informed consent in the clinical setting and appraise ethical aspects inherent in such issues in order to boost awareness of informed consent and its implementation among healthcare professionals. METHODS: Study methods included identifying ethical meanings of informed consent in the clinical setting based on the principal ethics, and exploring the process of informed consent utilizing communicative ethics and feminine care ethics RESULTS: The ethical basis of informed consent encompasses not only respect for autonomy but also prohibiting malice, practicing beneficience, and establishing justice. These principles, however, are limited in illustrating the ethical aspects of communicative ethics and care ethics that are entailed in informed consent within clinical settings. The ethical meaning of informed consent involves a communicative and caring process between healthcare professionals, patients, and family built on mutual respect. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals must fully understand the ethical meanings of informed consent and in turn respect and protect the clients' right to know and making decisions. Nurses especially, must take on the role of mediator and advocate throughout the process of obtaining informed consent, and practice ethical caring by facilitating communication grounded in mutual understanding among the physician, patient, and family members.
