Investigating the Relationship Between Nurses’ Attitude and Ethical Sensitivity Ability Towards the Elderly - A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Older adults need more specialized care due to their complex conditions, and each part of the healthcare system plays a specific role. In addition, nurses have the most human relationship regarding patient duration and depth. Therefore, the quality of providing care to the elderly is influenced by many factors, including nurses’ attitudes and ethical sensitivity. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nurses’ attitudes and ethical sensitivity ability towards the elderly in hospitals and their effective factors. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on selected (training and non-training) hospitals affiliated with the Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2021. The population included 380 nurses, who were selected by random sampling. The data were collected using two questionnaires, including the standard questionnaire on nurses’ ethical sensitivity in decision-making and Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People Scale (Kogan OP Scale). Finally, the data were analyzed by descriptive-inferential statistical tests and SPSS software version 24. Results: The results showed no significant difference between the mean score of nurses’ ethical sensitivity and attitudes (P = 0.807). In addition, no significant relationship was found between the level of ethical sense and individual characteristics of nurses, including age, gender, education level, marital status, work experience, workplace sector, and nursing work type (P > 0.05). However, a significant relationship was found between age and attitude (P = 0.031). Conclusions: Nurses have to deal with many ethical situations when caring for elderly patients, so a positive attitude is essential when dealing with the elderly. As a result, nurses respect the rights of elderly patients to make decisions and preserve their independence. Further, educational programs such as workshops and continuous training courses can help develop nurses’ ethical sensitivity.