Effect of Educational Intervention on Psychiatric Nurses’ Knowledge Regarding Ethical and Legal Issues for Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

Background: Nurses’ knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of healthcare is essential for all nursing professionals because nurses are expected to be professionally competent, providing high-quality care in an ethical manner.Aim: To assess the effectsof an educational interventionon psychiatric nurses’ knowledge regarding legal and ethical issues associated with psychiatric patient treatment. Design:A quasi-experimental, single-group, pre-test–post test design was used. Setting:Al-Abbasia Mental Health Hospital in Cairo, Egypt.Sample: A convenience sample of 50 psychiatric nurses was recruited.Methods:Structured,self administered knowledge questionnaire developed by the researchers was used to assess psychiatric nurses’ knowledge levels regarding legal and ethical responsibilities.Results: Nurses’ satisfactory knowledge before the intervention ranged between 4% for legal aspects to 62% for violence and neglect. All areas of knowledge significantly improved after the intervention, with satisfactory knowledge ranging between 76% for definitions to 98% for neglect and unprofessional practices. Overall, only one (2%) nurse had satisfactory total knowledge before the intervention, which increased to 90% after the intervention (p < 0.001). Nurses’ knowledge before the intervention was significantly and positively correlated with their qualifications. After the intervention, knowledge correlated negatively with their age and years of experience.Conclusion:The educational intervention was effective for improving psychiatric nurses’ knowledge of the legal and ethical issues associated with their practice. Recommendations: This educational intervention is recommended for inclusion in the orientation program for the hospital,and in-service education programs should be conducted for nursing staff working in similar settings.