University of Hertfordshire Research Archive

        JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

        Browse

        All of UHRABy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitles

        Arkivum Files

        My Downloads
        View Item 
        • UHRA Home
        • University of Hertfordshire
        • Research publications
        • View Item
        • UHRA Home
        • University of Hertfordshire
        • Research publications
        • View Item

        Exploring New Zealand Paramedic Attitudes Towards Advance Directives: An Ethical Analysis

        View/Open
        241_2262_1_PB.pdf (PDF, 732Kb)
        Author
        Davey, Paul
        Amanda, Lees
        Godbold, Rosemary
        Attention
        2299/17628
        Abstract
        Introduction Advance directives are known to present challenging ethical issues in health care practice, however there is a paucity of research into paramedic perspectives of advance directives. In situations where the patient has not considered end-of-life provisions, or is unable to communicate their wishes, this contributes to an ethically complex decision-making environment for practitioners. Ethical deliberation contributes to practitioners’ critical thinking skills and helps prepare them for decision-making under uncertainty. This research aims to highlight and explore underlying values within ethically complex practice-based decisions. Methods An exploratory, interpretive study using the ‘Values Exchange’, a web-based ethical decision-making tool, explored 18 urbanbased New Zealand paramedics’ deliberative perspectives on a controversial end-of-life scenario. Results Thematic analysis of participants’ responses ascertained the breadth of views on advanced directives, with the emergence of three dominant themes; legal tensions, multiple constructs of dignity and seeking solutions that support clinical practice. Conclusion Findings revealed that when considering situations involving advance directives, participants regarded the duty to uphold patient dignity as paramount. There was a desire for greater legal guidance and a call for increased professional education in law and ethics. This study provides insight into New Zealand urban-based paramedics’ views and experiences of this ethically challenging aspect of patient care.
        Publication date
        2016-11-01
        Published in
        Australasian Journal of Paramedicine
        Other links
        http://hdl.handle.net/2299/17628
        Metadata
        Show full item record
        Keep in touch

        © 2019 University of Hertfordshire

        I want to...

        • Apply for a course
        • Download a Prospectus
        • Find a job at the University
        • Make a complaint
        • Contact the Press Office

        Go to...

        • Accommodation booking
        • Your student record
        • Bayfordbury
        • KASPAR
        • UH Arts

        The small print

        • Terms of use
        • Privacy and cookies
        • Criminal Finances Act 2017
        • Modern Slavery Act 2015
        • Sitemap

        Find/Contact us

        • T: +44 (0)1707 284000
        • E: ask@herts.ac.uk
        • Where to find us
        • Parking
        • hr
        • qaa
        • stonewall
        • AMBA
        • ECU Race Charter
        • disability confident
        • AthenaSwan