Trends of the researches related to ethical topic in Korean nursing students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the trends of research related to ethical topics in Korean nursing students.Methods: A total of 131 articles that were published from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed and summarized according to publishing type, research design, subject, data analysis method, main research topic, research variables and instrument.Results: Most studies were journal articles (93.9%) and their most frequent research design was survey (75.7%). The research subjects covered all grades (35.1%) or they were divided between clinical nursing practicum (29.8%) or not (21.4%). The main research topics were biomedical ethics, ethical values, moral judgment and ethics education. Recently, ethical decision making and practical ability in nursing practice were reported. The instruments for measuring variables were limited and the same tools were used several times.Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that the selection of various research topics and the application of research methods related to ethics for nursing students will continue in response to rapidly changing social phenomena in the future. In particular, it is necessary that research related to ethical and practical ability as well as ethical attitudes and perceptions of nursing students be actively carried out.