Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire Research Articles

A Study of How Moral Courage and Moral Sensitivity Correlate with Safe Care in Special Care Nursing.

Background Nursing is a caring profession, and nurses who have moral sensitivity and moral courage presumably can provide safe and better care for patients. This study aims at investigating how moral courage and moral sensitivity correlate with safe care in special care nursing. Methods This study is a descriptive work of research. The participants consisted of 524 nurses who were in practice in the ICU (intensive care unit), CCU (C\\coronary care unit), post-CCU (postcoronary care unit), and dialysis of four hospitals located in the south of Iran selected via census sampling. Data were collected from April to September 2020 using the moral sensitivity questionnaire (MSQ), professional moral courage questionnaire (PMCQ), and the assessment of safe nursing care questionnaire (ASNCQ). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square, multiple regression analysis, and Pearson's correlation coefficient in SPSS v. 22. Results The mean ± SD of the nurses' age was 33.89 ± 6.91 years, and the mean ± SD of their work experience was 9.16 ± 4.67 years. The total mean score ± SD of the nurses' moral sensitivity was found to be 93.41 ± 2.68, the total mean score ± SD of their moral courage was found to be 96.38 ± 3.63, and the total mean score ± SD of their safe care scores was found to be 321.80 ± 9.76. The values of Pearson's correlation coefficients showed significant correlations between moral courage and safe care (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), moral sensitivity and safe care (r = 0.59, p < 0.001), and moral sensitivity and moral courage (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Conclusion There is a positive correlation between moral sensitivity and moral courage. Both positively correlated with special care nursing. Accordingly, through effective planning, education, and giving their support, nurse administrators can promote the abovementioned ethical virtues in the nursing staff, thereby improving the quality of care.

Evaluation of moral sensitivity and moral courage in intensive care nurses in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, intensive care nurses may experience ethical issues related to fear of transmission, limited resources, and increased workload. Nurses' moral sensitivity and courage may have a role in dealing with these problems.Aim and ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess intensive care nurses' moral sensitivity and moral courage during the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignDescriptive cross‐sectional survey.MethodsA total of 362 nurses working in the intensive care units of pandemic hospitals in Turkey participated in the study between January and March 2021. Data were obtained using a personal information form, the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, and the Nurses' Moral Courage Scale. A link to the online data collection tools was sent to the management of participating institutions, who forwarded it to nurses. Reporting followed the CHERRIES guidelines.ResultsIn this study, the response rate of nurses was 89%. The nurses' total mean moral sensitivity score was 90.70 ± 28.89 and their mean moral courage score was 82.08 ± 13.51. A weak inverse correlation was found between the nurses' moral sensitivity and moral courage scores (r = −.176, p = .001). Total moral sensitivity score differed significantly according to years of Intensive care unit (ICU) experience (p = .007). Total moral courage scores increased significantly with education level (p = .012), years of nursing experience (p = .016), and willingness to work in the ICU (p < .001).ConclusionThe study suggests that nurses working in the intensive care unit during the pandemic had moderate moral sensitivity and high levels of moral courage. Nurses' sociodemographic characteristics and ICU work conditions may affect their moral sensitivity and moral courage.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe results of this study can help guide efforts to improve moral courage and sensitivity and address ethical issues among ICU nurses.

Written and computer simulation on the moral sensitivity of nurses.

Background: Moral sensitivity is the first step towards ethical decision-making. This sensitivity should form a basic attitude in healthcare team members, particularly nurses, toward providing effective and ethical care. This is highlighted in intensive care units (ICUs) where close attention should be paid to patient rights and moral or ethical decision-making.Objective: The present study aimed at determining and comparing the effect of written simulation and computer simulation of a virtual patient on the development of moral sensitivity of ICU nurses.Research design: Randomized controlled trial with one control arm and two experimental arms.Participants and content: This study involved 204 ICU nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from 2019 to 2021 using a random allocation method. The participants were allocated to three groups comprising virtual patient computer simulation, written simulation, and the no simulation control group. After training based on a Patient Rights Charter, five scenarios, with themes reflecting the clauses of the Patient's Rights Charter, were written as a computer program and text for the computer simulation and written simulation groups, respectively. Finally, nurses' moral sensitivity was assessed using the Lützén moral sensitivity questionnaire as pre- and post-tests (immediately and 2months after the intervention).Ethical considerations: Ethical permission was obtained for the study. All the participants signed the informed consent before the study onset.Results: The study results showed a significant difference in moral sensitivity among the three groups before the intervention (p = 0.003). Immediately after the intervention compared to pre-intervention, the three groups showed no significant differences in this regard (p = 0.056), however a significant difference among the three groups was found 2months post-intervention (p < 0.001).

Relationship between moral sensitivity and the quality of nursing care for the elderly with Covid-19 in Iranian hospitals

BackgroundThe quality of care has a significant impact on the condition of elderly patients. Many factors affect the quality of care, including ethical considerations. Ethical considerations, such as moral sensitivity, change in times of crisis. The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between moral sensitivity and the quality of nursing care for the elderly with Covid-19 in Iranian hospitals.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study. The participants included 445 nurses that were selected by quota sampling method from hospitals admitting COVID-19 patients. The data were collected using the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ) and Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC) as self-reports. We used the SPSS software v.16 for statistical analysis.ResultsThe total score of moral sensitivity and quality of care was 52.29 ± 16.44 and 2.83 ± 0.23, respectively. Moral sensitivity negatively correlates with psychological, social, and physical aspects (P < 0.05). Modifying autonomy, interpersonal orientation, and experiencing moral conflict predicted β = 0.10 of the psychosocial aspect of quality of care. Structural moral meaning and expressing benevolence predicted the changes in the physical dimension of quality of care (β = 0.02).ConclusionThe quality of care had a significant inverse correlation with moral sensitivity. Multiple regression analysis showed that modifying autonomy, interpersonal orientation, and experiencing moral conflict could predict the psychosocial dimensions. Structuring moral meaning could predict the physical dimension. The communication aspects were not related to any of the dimensions of moral sensitivity.

An Investigation of Surgical Nurses' Professional Values, Ethical Sensitivity and Quality of Care: A Cross-Sectional Study From Northwest Turkey.

Nurses' professional values are closely associated with their ethical sensitivity and the quality of nursing care. The aim of this study was to determine surgical nurses' perceptions of their professional values, ethical sensitivities and quality of care, the relationship between these variables, and the factors influencing these. The sample of this cross-sectional, descriptive and relational study consisted of 231 nurses working in the surgical units of two university hospitals and a training and research hospital. The study revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between the nurses' professional values scale median score and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire median score, and a positive significant relationship between the Nurses' Professional Values Scale median score and the Care Behaviors Scale median score. Having ethical problems in their professional lives increased the ethical sensitivity of nurses, while having a medical-vocational high school and vocational school of health services degree and participation in training/meetings about professional values and ethics increased the perception of the quality of nursing care. Awareness of professional values is crucial in providing quality nursing care that is in line with ethical principles; therefore, it is recommended that the continuity of surgical nurses' participation in training/meetings on professional values and ethics be ensured, that they be supported to become members of professional associations, and that supportive working environments be provided to improve the quality of nursing care.

Hemşirelik Son Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Klinik Uygulama Sırasındaki Covid-19 Korkusu ve Etik Duyarlılıklarının İncelenmesi

The aim of this study is to investigate senior nursing students’ ethical sensitivity and fear of Covid-19 during clinical practice. This is a cross-sectional and relational study. The study has been conducted in June 2021 with senior nursing students at a university in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey (n=95). Data have been collected online via Google Forms by using a Nursing Student Characteristics Form, the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ). The mean FCV-19S total score has been obtained as 17.93 (Sd=5.02) and median MSQ total score has been obtained as 96 (25th–75th percentiles=87–108). Students with previous Covid-19 infection had significantly higher FCV-19S scores (t=3.209, p=0.004). There were no significant differences in MSQ total or subscale scores based on the students’ characteristics (p&amp;gt;0.05). FCV-19S total score was positively correlated with the holistic approach subscale of the MSQ (r=0.298, p=0.003). The results of this study have shown that senior nursing students had moderate levels of ethical sensitivity and Covid-19 fear. Previous Covid-19 infection has been associated with greater fear.

Moral sensitivity of nursing students. Adaptation and validation of the moral sensitivity questionnaire in Spain.

Ethical sensitivity is a requirement for people care as well as for decision-making in everyday practice. The aim is to present an adaptation and transcultural validation -in Spanish- of the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire by Lützén et al. in Spain. In addition to that, we provide a practical implementation analysing the degree of moral sensitivity of nursing students. The data used for data collection were moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, socio-demographic data and a self-report questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed, including validity and reliability. Fit indices of the overall model were computed. The fit indices of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicate a poor fit, although the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed two dimensions that show a better fit of its indices. Women and those women with more experience in the clinical setting have a higher mean score, as well as those who study in centers where the strategic lines are the humanization of care. Female nursing students with more experience in the clinical setting and with more educational training present higher sensitivity indexes, as well as those who study in centers where the strategic lines are the humanization of care. The findings confirm that the Lützén et al. questionnaire is multidimensional. In the Spanish sample, it was necessary to group the three initial factors into two: sense of moral burden and moral strength—grouping the moral responsibility items into the above items to make the instrument more resilient.

Mindfulness, empathy and moral sensitivity in nurses: a structural equation modeling analysis

BackgroundEthical issues may pose challenges to nurses; moral sensitivity can help them to overcome these challenges. Identifying variables related to moral sensitivity can help in planning to increase nurses’ moral sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among mindfulness, empathy, and moral sensitivity in a sample of nurses.MethodsIn the present study, a cross-sectional design utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted. The nurses in a private hospital in Yazd, Iran, were invited to participate in the study (n=162) using simple random sampling. In order to gather the data, the Freiburg’s mindfulness inventory, moral sensitivity questionnaire, and revised Jefferson’s empathy scale were used. The hypothesized model was analyzed by SEM.ResultsThe results show that Mindfulness (β=0.41, t=5.53, p<0.01) and empathy (β=0.52, t=6.77, p<0.01) had a significant direct effect on moral sensitivity. However, mindfulness had an indirect effect on nurses’ moral sensitivity via empathy improvement (z= 6.25, p<.01).ConclusionEmpathy played a significant mediating role in the relationship between mindfulness and moral sensitivity, so mindfulness-based interventions with an emphasis on empathy may provide an opportunity to increase moral sensitivity in nurses.

Educating ethics codes by lecture or role-play; which one improves nursing students' ethical sensitivity and ethical performance more? A quasi-experimental study

Promoting ethical and professional principles through education is the major way to build and maintain people's trust in the nursing. However, despite remarkable efforts in this area, sensitivity to these principles and their application in clinical practice remain low. This study aimed to compare the effect of educating codes of nursing ethics through methods of role-playing and lecture on the Ethical Sensitivity and Ethical Performance of nursing students. A single-blinded quasi-experimental study conducted on 114 nursing students of Urmia University of medical sciences, which recruited using convenience sampling and assigned to two groups of intervention (role-paly and lecture) and one group of control, so that the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-semester nursing students were allocated to the control, role-play and lecture groups, respectively. Data were collected using the Nurses' Ethical Performance Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Lutzen's Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ) at three time-points of before, immediately after, and two months after the intervention. The same educational content was provided for both intervention groups, so that the role-play group received the intervention over an eight-day period and the lecture group received it in five sessions. The results showed there was a significant difference in the mean scores of ethical sensitivity and ethical performance between the three groups immediately (p<.001) and two months after the intervention (p<.001), so the mean scores were significantly higher in the role-play and lecture groups compared to the control group after the intervention (p<.001). In addition, after the intervention, the mean scores of ethical sensitivity and ethical performance in the role-play group were higher than the lecture group (p<.001). Educating codes of ethics by role-playing method had a greater positive effect on the promotion of the ethical sensitivity and ethical performance compared to the lecture.

Teaching ethical principles through narrative-based story is more effective in the moral sensitivity among BSc nursing students than lecture method : A quasi-experimental study

Background Ethics education can be developed in undergraduate nursing curriculum using a variety of teaching and learning strategies, and the content of narrative-based stories has rarely been evaluated in ethics courses. Objective This study aimed to compare the effect of teaching ethical principles through narrative ethics and lectures on the moral sensitivity of undergraduate nursing students. Methods This was a pretest and posttest quasi-experimental study with a control group. A total of 105 undergraduate nursing students from the nursing department of Kerman University of medical science were included in the study (35 in the narrative-based story group, 36 in the lecture group and 34 in the control group). The narrative-based story and lecture lasted for four two-hour sessions. The outcomes were measured by a moral sensitivity questionnaire. Results The study results showed that teaching ethical principles had a significant effect on the mean score of moral sensitivity in the intervention groups after the intervention, but it was not significant in the control group ( p &gt; 0.05). Based on the mean score of moral sensitivity, the students in the narrative story group got a higher score in all subscales of moral sensitivity questionnaire. Conclusion Based on this study’s findings, it can be concluded that narrative-based education is an effective way for undergraduate nursing students to promote their moral sensitivity and the ability to make ethical decisions.

Impact of Education on Student Nurses' Advocacy and Ethical Sensitivity.

The nursing literature emphasizes that there are still inadequacies, differences, and inconsistencies in the definition of nurses' advocacy role, and that nursing education plays an important role in educating nurses for patient advocacy. The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of advocacy education onsocial justice advocacy and ethical sensitivity. Pre-test, post-test, parallel group, randomized controlled study. The study was carried out on 80 undergraduate nursing students in Turkey. Students was divided into experimental (40) and control (40) groups. Experimental group received advocacy education cirruculum. Both groups were applied as Socio-Demographic Characteristics, as pre- test and post-tests Social Justice Advocacy Scale, and Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. The data were statistically evaluated with, the chi-square test, Two-Way Anova. The study was approved by Selcuk University Faculty of Health Sciences Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (09.25.2019/1218). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The pre-test score of the intervention group and that of the control group were similar(p > 0.05). The study group's post-test score was significantly higher than its pre-test score and the post-test score of the control group "social justice advocacy skills" and "moral sensitivity Questionnaire." In two-way analysis of variance in repeated measures, there was a significant main effect of the type of groups. The two-way ANOVA results in repeated measures showed that group-time interaction was significant. The advocacy education cirruculum the experimental group increased in the social justice advocacy knowledge, attitude and skills and moral sensitivity. The advocacy education cirruculum the experimental group increased the social justice advocacy skills and moral sensitivity. The Advocacy education cirruculum can be suggested to be integrated into the undergraduate nursing curriculum.

Yoğun Bakım Hemşirelerinin Etik Duyarlılık Düzeylerinin Ölüme Karşı Tutumları Üzerine Etkisi: Tanımlayıcı Araştırma

Objective: This study was conducted descriptively to determine the effect of ethical sensitivity levels of intensive care nurses on their attitudes towards death and to examine the influencing factors. Material and Methods: This study was carried out with the participation of 171 intensive care nurses between March 2017 and July 2017 in 4 hospitals affiliated to the Health Directorate in Samsun city center. The data were collected using the nurses' characteristics form prepared by the researcher, the ''Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ)'' and the ''Death Attitudes Profile (DAP)''. The data were evaluated using frequency, mean, standard deviation, the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal- Wallis test, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman correlation analysis. Results: While the nurses' MSQ total mean score value was 77.5±18.8, the total mean score of DAP was 115.1±20.2. The study found that the difference between the MSQ mean score and the variables of gender, education level, satisfaction with their unit and holding an intensive care certificate was statistically significant. The difference between the DAP mean score and the variable of the unit worked in was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). A weak negative significant correlation was found between the mean scores of MSQ and DAP (r=-0.200, p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the moral sensitivity levels of the nurses and their attitudes towards death were moderate. It was determined that a positive attitude towards death could be developed with an increase in moral sensitivity. It is recommended that nurses serving in critical areas such as intensive care be given training at frequent intervals on ethics and death.

The Effect of Transcultural Nursing Course on Students' Moral Sensitivity: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The moral sensitivity of nurses positively affects the quality of patient care. For this reason, nursing students are expected to gain moral sensitivity skills during their education. The aim of the study is to examine the impact of transcultural nursing course (TNC) on the moral sensitivity levels of students. This study had a quasi-experimental design. The sample consisted of 100 nursing students (intervention: 36 and control: 64). The intervention group was composed of students who had enrolled in the TNC. The data were collected through the Sociodemographic Information Form and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. Independent samples t-test and analysis of variance were used in data analysis. The moral sensitivity levels of the students who received the TNC were significantly higher than those who did not. The TNC is an effective teaching method in increasing the moral sensitivity levels of nursing students.

Impact of poetry-based ethics education on the moral sensitivity of nurses: A semi-experimental study.

The nurses' moral sensitivity is the first step to make right decisions in difficult moral situations. Therefore, its education and promotion is highly important. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of poetry-based ethics education on the nurses' moral sensitivity. This was a semi-experimental study. The sample consisted of 108 nurses who were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to three groups: intervention with poetry (G1), who read a booklet about values and principles of professional ethics as well as poems related to these subjects for 1 month; intervention without poetry (G2), who only read the booklet without any poetry; and control group (G3), who did not receive any intervention. Data were collected by Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire that was completed by the participants prior to the intervention (T1), 1-month post-intervention (T2), and 2-month post-intervention (T3). Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software. This study was conducted in accord with the principles of research ethics and regulations relating to informed consent. Changes in the mean score of total moral sensitivity were significantly higher in G1 than in G2, which was in turn significantly higher than in G3. This increase was significant from T1 to T2 and T2 to T3 (P < 0.001). In all subscales, there was a significant difference between the mean changes in the three groups, so that in these subscales, the mean changes in G1 were significantly higher than those in other groups. In line with previous studies, our results showed the effectiveness of poetry-based education on the transfer of educational concepts and increase moral sensitivity scores with greater lasting effect. The use of interdisciplinary subjects such as poetry, due to its entertaining, fun, and lasting effect on minds; level of awareness; and actions of nurses, can help raise nursing moral sensitivity.

Does the compassion level of nursing students affect their ethical sensitivity?

AimThis study aims to determine the nursing students' levels of compassion and ethical sensitivity and reveal the effect of the level of compassion on their ethical sensitivity. MethodA descriptive study was carried out with 328 nursing students studying at a state university. Data were collected through the “Personal Information Form”, “The Compassion Scale”, and “The Modified Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire for Student Nurses (MMSQSN)”. ResultsThe average compassion scale score was 4.14 ± 0.57 and the students' MMSQSN score average was 4.72 ± 0.85. A low level of positive correlation was determined between the compassion level of the students and their ethical sensitivity. Students' compassion level was found to be high and their ethical sensitivity was found to be neutral. ConclusionThe increase in the level of compassion positively affects ethical sensitivity. In order to increase the level of compassion of students to increase their ethical sensitivity, practices that improve compassion and ethical sensitivity are required during their education.

The effect of an empowerment program on the moral sensitivity and caring behaviors of emergency nurses in Iran

AimThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an empowerment program on the moral sensitivity and caring behaviors of nurses in emergency departments in Iran. BackgroundEmergency department is often a high stress environment. Nurses who worked in the emergency departments are expected to work under pressure to many standards, guidelines and protocols related to patient care. It will expose emergency department nurses to psychological pressures and moral conflicts. A nurse’s sensitivity to ethical issues is necessary to provide humane care; it is considered to be a professional competence for nurses. MethodsThis study had a controlled quasi-experimental design. Data were collected before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention using a moral sensitivity questionnaire and a caring behavior questionnaire. A total of 131 emergency department nurses from 4 teaching hospitals were divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received six 60-minute training sessions; the control group did not receive the training. ResultsThe mean moral sensitivity and caring behavior scores for both groups increased significantly immediately and 1 month after the intervention. However, the significance was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. A comparison of the mean moral sensitivity and caring behavior scores between the groups immediately and 1 month after the intervention did not show a statistically significant difference. ConclusionsImplementing a training program on ethical issues could thus have a significant impact on the clinical performance of nurses, which could be maintained through follow-up.

The Predictors of Moral Sensitivity Among Physicians.

PurposeThe continually advancing nature of health care has improved the quality of care provided to patients. However, it has also resulted in complex ethical issues healthcare providers face in Saudi Arabia. Literature concerning healthcare workers’ moral sensitivity in Saudi Arabia is limited. This study aims to estimate moral sensitivity among physicians and determine the factors that influence it.Participants and MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among physicians working at a tertiary hospital. The Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ) developed by Kim Lützén was used. The lowest score that can be obtained from the MSQ is 30, and the highest score is 210. Low scores demonstrate high ethical sensitivity, and high scores indicate low ethical sensitivity.ResultsA total of 253 physicians participated in the study. The mean score of moral sensitivity was 90.6±19.6. There is a significant difference in the overall moral sensitivity in relation to age (P = 0.049). There are significant differences in the Moral conflict dimension according to age (P = 0.002), parental status (P = 0.011), being a member of an ethical committee (P = 0.025), years of experience (P = 0.002), clinical ranking (P < 0.001), and previous training in bioethics (P = 0.029). There were significant differences in the Relational orientation dimension with the clinical ranking (P = 0.038) and specialty (P = 0.038). Membership of an ethical committee is a significant variable in the Benefit dimension (P = 0.028). Correlation coefficients between the overall moral sensitivity score and its dimensions were Autonomy (r = 0.68), Practice (r = 0.69), and Holistic approach (r = 0.69). Physicians who previously had training in bioethics (β 2.37, P = 0.022) and physicians who worked with clinical ethics committee (β 2.66, P = 0.008) were more likely to score better in Moral conflict dimension.ConclusionImplementing ethical training for medical students and physicians will help raise their moral sensitivity levels, thereby enhancing how they deal with ethical dilemmas.

Hospital nurses' empathy and moral sensitivity toward elderly care: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study is to explore factors that influence elderly caring attitudes, with a focus on empathy and moral sensitivity. Medical and nursing needs of the elderly have escalated as a consequence of changes induced by aging and the associated diseases and disabilities. A cross-sectional study involving 229 nurses from four general hospitals in South Korea was conducted. Questionnaires assessing demographic and work experience information, empathy (Empathy Construct Rating Scale), moral sensitivity (Korean version of the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire) and elderly caring (Elderly Caring Attitude Scale) were used. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. The factors influencing the caring attitudes of nurses were empathy, moral sensitivity, preference for geriatric nursing and experience with continuing education in geriatric nursing. The explanatory power of this regression model was 59.4%. Strategies to enhance empathy and moral sensitivity of nurses and education related to geriatric nursing might help improve elderly caring attitudes. Continued education in geriatric nursing should be provided for nurses caring for the elderly. In terms of nursing management and education, it is necessary to consider and develop strategies to improve the empathy and moral sensitivity of nurses toward elderly patients.

Does heavy mental workload affect moral sensitivity among critical care unit nursing professionals? a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMoral sensitivity creates the basic attitude in providing effective ethical care to patients. Heavy mental workload is a major concern of critical care nursing professionals, which could adversely affect nursing staff and patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mental workload and some demographic variables on the moral sensitivity of critical care nursing professionals.MethodsThis cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study was performed on 181 nursing professionals working in the critical care units of Shahid Rajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the moral sensitivity questionnaire, and the NASA-task load index to assess mental workload. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22 using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation-coefficient, and regression analysis.ResultsThe results of regression analysis yielded no statistical significant relationship between heavy mental workload and moral sensitivity of the critical care nursing professionals, while clinical experience had a positive, significant association with moral sensitivity.ConclusionsAlthough care nursing professionals experience a heavy mental workload in critical care units, it does not decrease their moral sensitivity. In addition, experienced nurses have higher moral sensitivity and lower mental workload. Therefore, it seems that nursing managers should pay special attention to the importance of employing experienced nurses along with younger nurses.

Development of a questionnaire to measure the moral sensitivity of nursing students.

ABSTRACTMoral sensitivity is important for both, qualified nurses and nursing students. Currently, however, the instruments to measure moral sensitivity exist for qualified nurses only. The objective of this study is to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess moral sensitivity of nursing students and to examine the development and differentiation of this sensitivity by school year, clinical training, and other educational variables. The study comprised semi-structured focus group interviews and a survey using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed using data obtained from the focus groups and distributed to 1,995 nursing students in three Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs (BScN) and eight Nursing Diploma programs. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 473 nursing students. An exploratory factor analysis indicated that 11 items and 3 factors were extracted: “Moral Strength,” “Sense of Moral Burden,” and “Moral Responsibility.” The factors each demonstrated acceptable content- and criterion-related validity with the Resilience Measurement Scale for University Students. This three-factor structure was consistent with that of the Japanese version of the revised Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. The mean score of each item ranged from 2.75 to 4.74 (SD = 1.04 – 1.34). A comparison of inter-year scores showed that third-year students had significantly higher Moral Strength scores in both the BScN and Nursing Diploma programs. The 11-item questionnaire developed for this study was consistent with a three-factor structure of registered nurses’ moral sensitivity and successfully identified differences in moral sensitivity among nursing students. Using this type of questionnaire will allow nursing programs to improve the moral sensitivity of nursing students by allowing lecturers to develop tailored moral sensitivity programs.