Knowledge in Bioethics of Nursing Professionals in a Private Institution in Córdoba

Abstract

Introduction: Bioethics is a crucial discipline in nursing, guiding actions and decisions related to patient care. It was consolidated as an interdisciplinary field in the 1970s and 1980s. Scientific and technological advances, as well as challenges related to health and the environment, have generated the need for greater knowledge in bioethics to provide quality care. Institutional Bioethics Committees are bodies established in healthcare institutions to address ethical dilemmas in medical care. These committees review complex situations such as medical decision-making, participation in clinical trials, and confidentiality, among other issues. Methodology: quantitative and descriptive study, which uses a survey as a data collection technique. Data collection was carried out through the survey technique with an instrument used for a master's thesis at the University of ISTMO in Guatemala, Faculty of Education, Master in Bioethics, its title was: “Knowledge of Bioethics in nursing personnel and its impact on hospitalized patient care” which was adapted to the context of this research. Results: the results are presented considering the sociodemographic data of the study population, and subsequently based on the specific objectives outlined for this research. The most relevant findings indicated that 96.7% know they study Bioethics, with the principle of autonomy being the most known at 78.3% and the principle of justice being the least known at 66.7% of respondents. Regarding knowledge of the institutional committee, 78.3% are aware of its existence, while only 28.3% responded correctly when asked about its functions. When asked if they know who makes up the committee, only 18.3% answered correctly. Lastly, 90% expressed a desire for more information. Discussion: three studies are presented to contrast their data with those obtained in this research, two of which showed differences in results, while one had similarities. Conclusion: it was found that overall knowledge of bioethics and its principles is present. At the same time, the challenge lies mainly in knowledge about the institutional committee, its functions, the members who compose it, and finally, that almost all respondents expressed a desire to learn more about the Institutional Bioethics Committee.