Global Comparison of Codes of Ethics for Nurses: A Mixed-Method Collective Case Study Differentiating Aspirational and Mandatory Ethics

Abstract

AimsTo identify the characteristics and compare the codes of ethics enacted by the Korean Nursing Association and International Council of Nurses.DesignA mixed-method collective case study.MethodsThis study adopted interpretive approaches comprising case definition and selection, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Based on the developed aspirational versus mandatory ethics analytic framework, we differentiated the aspirational and mandatory codes of the Korean Nursing Association and International Council of Nurses.ResultsThe Korean Nursing Association placed greater emphasis on aspirational ethics (73.3%) than the International Council of Nurses (53.6%). The Korean Nursing Association addressed legal implications regarding adequate services and patient safety, whereas the International Council of Nurses emphasised informed consent and authorised practice. Compared to the Korean Nursing Association's code, the International Council of Nurses' code had one additional chapter and 67 more units. The additional chapter focused on global health.ConclusionSome implications can be considered for future revisions of the code of ethics for Korean nurses. Informed consent needs to be addressed as a legal implication for respecting the patient's right to self-determination. Furthermore, nurses' attention to global health could be discussed in the context of globalisation.Implications for the ProfessionThe findings of the analysis of the current codes of ethics of national and international nursing organisations may provide scientific evidence for future revisions. An evidence-based revision of ethical guidelines, as proposed by the findings, underscores the importance of fostering a moral identity consistent with established professional norms and values for nursing.Reporting MethodWe adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.No Patient or Public ContributionGiven that this study is based on the literature, namely the codes of ethics, there is no direct/indirect involvement of patients or the public.