Ethical Decision-Making in Critical Care Nursing: A Customized Framework for Patient-Centered Care and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Abstract

Background: Ethical issues are intrinsic to critical care nursing, as life-and-death choices are rendered under significant time constraints and emotional stress. These challenges often entail conflicting values, such as reconciling patient autonomy with beneficence or managing resource allocation during crises. Although numerous ethical decision-making frameworks are available, they frequently neglect the distinct challenges inherent in the critical care setting, including interdisciplinary collaboration, moral anguish, and cultural sensitivity. The lack of a thorough, applicable framework designed for the specific circumstances of critical care nursing has resulted in a deficiency in ethical support for nurses in this domain.

Aim: The objective of this research is to present customized theoretical frameworks for ethical decision-making in critical care nursing, focusing on the intricate relationship among patient demands, clinical ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilized, consisting of a systematic literature review and qualitative analysis of nurse interviews. The literature study examined ethical decision-making frameworks and their applications in healthcare, while the interviews investigated critical care nurses' experiences with ethical problems. Thematic analysis revealed significant deficiencies in current frameworks and guided the formulation of the suggested paradigm.

Results: Recognition of deficiencies in existing frameworks and the proposal of a novel paradigm prioritizing patient-centered care, interdisciplinary communication, and cultural competence.

Conclusion: The proposed framework provides a systematic and flexible methodology for ethical decision-making in critical care nursing. By catering to the specific requirements of the critical care environment, it enables nurses to make ethically informed judgments, alleviating moral suffering and enhancing patient outcomes. This paradigm signifies a substantial progression in ethical practice, impacting nursing education, clinical practice, and institutional policy.