Navigating Ethics: Knowledge and Practices Regarding Legal and Ethical Aspects among Psychiatric Nurses: Descriptive Correlational Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The Ethical and Legal dimensions of psychiatric nursing represent a critical domain in healthcare delivery, particularly given the vulnerability of patients in mental health settings and the complex nature of decision-making inherent in this specialty. Aim: This study aimed to assess psychiatric nurses' knowledge and practices regarding legal and ethical aspects. Research design: A descriptive correlational research design. Setting: The study was conducted at Helwan Hospital for mental health and addiction treatment. Subjects: A convenient sample of all available nurses (N = 176). Data collection tools: Three tools were used for data collection. Tool (I) sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the studied psychiatric nurses. Tool (II) psychiatric Nurses' Knowledge regarding legal and ethical Aspects interview questionnaire. Tool (III) psychiatric Nurses' Practices regarding Legal and ethical Aspects interview questionnaire. Results: The study results revealed that more than half of the studied psychiatric nurses had unsatisfactory levels of knowledge regarding Legal and ethical Aspects. Also, more than half of the studied psychiatric nurses had incompetent levels of practices regarding Legal and ethical Aspects. Conclusion: Based on the study finding, there was a highly statistically significant positive correlation between total level of knowledge and total level of practices among the studied psychiatric nurses. Recommendations: Conduct continuous in-service training programs focused on the Egyptian Mental Health Act, ethical principles and patient rights.
Language: English
Topic: Ethics in medical practice
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7141810608