Abstract
Background
Moral courage means courage to act according to individual’s own ethical
values and principles despite the risk of negative consequences for them.
Research about the moral courage of whistle-blowers in health care is
scarce, although whistleblowing involves a significant risk for the
whistle-blower.
Objective
To analyse the moral courage of potential whistle-blowers and its association
with their background variables in health care.
Research design
Was a descriptive-correlational study using a questionnaire, containing
Nurses Moral Courage Scale©, a video vignette of the wrongdoing
situation with an open question about the vignette, and several background
variables. Data were analysed statistically and inductive content analysis
was used for the narratives.
Participants and research context
Nurses as healthcare professionals (including registered nurses, public
health nurses, midwives, and nurse paramedics) were recruited from the
membership register of the Nurses’ Association via email in 2019. A total of
454 nurses responded. The research context was simulated using a
vignette.
Ethical considerations
Good scientific inquiry guidelines were followed. Permission to use the
Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale© was obtained from the copyright
holder. The ethical approval and permission to conduct the study were
obtained from the participating university and the Nurses’ Association.
Findings
The mean value of potential whistle-blowers’ moral courage on a Visual
Analogue Scale (0–10) was 8.55 and the mean score was 4.34 on a 5-point
Likert scale. Potential whistle-blowers’ moral courage was associated with
their socio-demographics, education, work, personality and social
responsibility related background variables.
Discussion and conclusion
In health care, potential whistle-blowers seem to be quite morally courageous
actors. The results offer opportunities for developing interventions,
practices and education to support and encourage healthcare professionals in
their whistleblowing. Research is needed for developing a theoretical
construction to eventually increase whistleblowing and decrease and prevent
wrongdoing.
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