LA BIOÉTICA APLICADA EN LA GESTIÓN DE ENFERMERÍA EN EL HOSPITAL GENERAL MACHALA
LA BIOÉTICA APLICADA EN LA GESTIÓN DE ENFERMERÍA EN EL HOSPITAL GENERAL MACHALA
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595272529074
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Palavras-chave: Bioética, enfermería, gestión del cuidado, ética clínica, dilemas éticos, cultura institucional.
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Keywords: Bioethics, nursing, care management, clinical ethics, ethical dilemmas, institutional culture.
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Abstract: Bioethics is a fundamental axis in nursing care management, especially in high-demand clinical settings such as emergency departments. This study aimed to determine the application of bioethical principles by nursing staff at the General Hospital of Machala, evaluating their levels of knowledge, perception, practical implementation, and perceived institutional barriers. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 42 licensed nurses. A structured Likert-type questionnaire was applied, validated by experts, and showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94). The instrument covered four key dimensions: knowledge, perception, application, and ethical barriers. Results indicated that 90% of participants reported being familiar with the fundamental principles of bioethics, and 93% acknowledged their relevance in clinical and managerial decision-making. However, only 52% had received formal training in bioethics. The most highly valued dimension was the promotion of well-being (95%), while participatory resolution of ethical conflicts showed the lowest level of agreement (67%). The most frequent ethical dilemmas included patient prioritization due to limited resources (74%), unequal workload distribution (69%), and lack of institutional support for ethical decision-making (61%). In conclusion, although nursing staff demonstrate strong ethical awareness, several structural barriers hinder the full application of bioethics in clinical practice. It is recommended to strengthen continuing education in bioethics, implement clinical ethics committees, and develop institutional policies that foster an ethical and participatory organizational culture.
- Johanna Estefania Romero Chuquimarca
- Elida Yesica Reyes Rueda