Purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study is to analyse the use of ethical codes in nursing practice. This study is part of the research project Ethical Codes in Nursing: European Perspectives on Content and Functioning (QLG6-2001-00945), funded by European Commission. In this presentation, perspective is in Nordic countries, Finland as an example.

Ethical codes are important part of professional ethics. The best known is the Code of ICN. It has given structure for many other codes, as is the case with Finnish Ethical Codes, too. Previous studies, in this field, are limited. Thus, an inductive approach was selected. Research questions to be addressed are: 1. How are the codes used in nursing practice? 2. Which are the barriers to use the codes? The data were collected by focus group interviews in Southern part of Finland in 2003 and analysed by inductive content analysis. There were eight focus groups of nurses, altogether 35 participants.

Based on results, use of the codes in practice is not systematic. They are used to protect the best of patients, support collegiality between nurses, and clarify the roles of different health care professionals. Mostly codes are used unconsciously, and considered as fore runners for laws and acts, which are firmer documents than codes. Barriers for use of the codes can be classified into three: slight awareness of the codes, lack of human resources and difficulties in co-operation especially between nurses and physicians.

As a conclusion, focus group interviews produced a preliminary description of the use of ethical codes. There is, however, a need to more empirical studies in this field.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004