Knowledge regarding Legal and Ethical aspects of patient care among Registered Nurses in selected hospital of Goa with a view to prepare an Information Booklet

Introduction: Nursing is a growing profession. Nursing practice is surrounded by legal and ethical aspects. Legal and ethical context of care focuses concern on the rights of patients and the quality of care they receive. Hence knowledge of the legal and ethical aspects is now regarded as an important component of nursing practice. A study was conducted among Registered Nurses, with the objectives to assess the knowledge regarding legal and ethical aspects of patient care, to find association between knowledge score and demographic variables and to develop information booklet on legal and ethical aspects of patient care. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental survey approach was used. The sampling technique used in this study was the non-probability, convenient sampling technique. The study participants were two hundred (200) Registered Nurses working in various departments of Goa Medical College and Hospitals, Goa. Data was collected by using structured knowledge questionnaire consisting of demographic data and questionnaire on legal and ethical aspects of patient care prepared by the researcher. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result and conclusion: Findings revealed 64% of Registered Nurses had good knowledge, 34.5% had average knowledge and 1.5% had poor knowledge. No significant association was found between level of knowledge and demographic variables. Study findings revealed the need to raise awareness on legal and ethical aspects of patient care among Registered Nurses and to improve their critical thinking ability and decision making during legal and ethical issues. In-service education should be provided for Registered Nurses to raise awareness on legal and ethical aspects related to patient care.