Introduction
In modern societies professional nurses are equipped with knowledge and skills to advance the implementation of legal measures necessary to protect their patients. These measures are perceived as interventions which advocate ethical policies relating to safety and the right to decision making which even surrounds consent to care.
Subsequently, due to their training and expertise nurses are frequently held responsible for many of the ethical inconsistencies which arise in the daily interrelationships with patients. Very often this forges them to aptly condescend in devising strategies which ensure that the patient makes a decision based on a clear understanding of what is required as well as offered. (Pierce, 1997).
Sure, these are very sensitive issues. As such, in many instances they are fueled with emotion. This theory is adequately supported by relevant literature as referenced through Donovan & Redman.
In their work they have eloquently identified major aspects of this phenomenon in highlighting the essential challenges facing Registered Nurses. The rudiments of this culture have been well espoused to the extent that there are well documented analyses of issues as they specifically relate to informed consent.
The informed Consent
The nursing researcher in this exploratory study on ‘methods of coping by the elderly after the death of a loved one’ explained to Mrs. G and her husband the requirements of study and Mr. G had signed the consent. Recently Mrs. had lost her son. Prior to the start of the study, Mr. G. stated he did not remember the information the researcher had discussed and did not remember signing the consent. (Donavan & Redman)
Informed consent was designed to offer an opportunity for the patient to actively be involved in what is relevant to his /her care as it related to this study. This spreads across the right to safety; right to be heard and researched.
Therefore, when gaining permission from any patient regarding his/her care there must be a strong measure of transparency. This allows for a level playing field on patient and health care provider/ researcher sides of the game.
Precisely, it allows for the element of validity to surface with major concerns being erased. This eliminates the suspicion of Health Care providers/ researchers forcing patients into signing documents under fear or coercion. Patients must never feel that they are at the mercy of anyone nor anything. Whatever documents are signed must be done from a space of knowing and understanding consent.
Personal Observation
Speculations are with reference to the actual research that the consent may have been signed, but understanding was obscure. The mere idea of Mr. G not remembering anything about the incident leading up the signing is highly suggestive of my point of view point. (Donavan & Redman). My assumption then is indicative of a Nurse/ researcher who did not acknowledge responsibility of ensuring that consent was given voluntarily and that Mr. G was fully aware of his responsibilities and the prevailing consequences.
Further, my concern is whether an advance written directive detailing instructions recognized under state law was adhered to. This relates to the provision of healthcare sought by an individual who is incapacitated. Apparently, Mr. G was somewhat incapacitated why he could not remember signing anything (Donavan & Redman).
It is important to note that these procedures are enforced by applying two formats. One is called a Health Care Proxy when a relative or significant other is designated to act on behalf of the patient or with the use of a Living Will. This is a document specifying the wishes of a patient which must be adhered to as it pertains to his/her care.
Alternative Perspectives
As a nursing researcher it is imperative to seek advice by consulting with some more senior members on the team. In my opinion it might have been illegal to have Mr. G. signing the consent for this wife. (Donovan & Redman). This is rather debatable since nurses are limited in the measures they can take in instituting these procedures. Usually, they do not all fall under the jurisdiction of their portfolio.
However, it is always best to find out or seek help from the administration. There are many resources available for which such information can be further researched. Never leave anything to chance and create another medical malpractice scenario.
Effects of the study
There are many speculations as to the advantages and disadvantages of this study. However, it is hoped that the data generated can significantly help Registered Nurses and Health Care Professionals be more aware of the implications regarding informed consent. Also, it throws some light on what measures could be taken to ensure that a patient’s desirers are granted even when he/she cannot make a decision at that point in time.
Conclusive Analysis
In offering opinions on this research study, ‘Methods of Coping by Elderly after the Death of a Loved One’ it was clear that the researcher in using the case study scenario of Mr. and Mrs. G was focusing on Informed Consent rather than Coping after the loved one had passed. Hypotheses and variables applied to the study are, however, suggestive of the implications. Concepts of a living will; Health Care proxy and death of a child can be considered suitable elements for the elderly coping with loss typology.
There is no doubt that further research should be undertaken to clarify many unresolved questions posed by this study. They surround the distinct scope of Registered Nurses in initiating informed consent; the level of transparency involved and when should the Registered Nurse or Health Care Provider resort to other resources for clarification on this issue when faced with it on the Clinical area.
With regards to death and coping by the elderly; from this research data the couple had lost a child a few weeks prior to the episode warranting signing of consent. It can be then concluded that the researcher skillfully wove into the study three major elements. These include the death of a child; next the collapse of Mrs. G and finally, Mr. G’s inability to recollect signing the consent form.
These characteristics of this study are based upon an understanding directed towards how the loss of loved ones tremendously affects the health of the elderly. When taken from a deeper theoretical paradigm this is a powerful device for shaping Nursing Process Intervention for the twenty-first century.
References
Donovan, C. & Redman, B. (n.d.) Ethics and Human Rights Issues in Nursing Practice: A survey of Connecticut Registered Nurses. Web.
Houser, J. Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence. 2008. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Pierce, What is an ethical decision. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. 1 vol.9, #12 back.)