Need to raise and organize support for moral-ethical decision-making in nursing and health facilities-conceptual aspects and results in developing a survey instrument

Definition of the problem Empirical research work on ethics in health care can support appropriate implementation projects. Meanwhile, there exist a variety of structures and approaches for ethical counselling; however, it appears that these are not used in all healthcare facilities. Needs assessments may produce important data for strategy and project requirements. Arguments The significance and reasons for the estimation of the needs for clinical ethics counselling are frequently discussed in the literature. The present contribution outlines results from an analysis of the literature with regard to existing needs assessment instruments. Conclusion Furthermore, a concept for a demand analysis instrument is described. This includes data for a setting of research questions, the formulation of objectives and the target groups. Subsequently the tentatively developed instrument is briefly introduced. The aim of the data collecting instrument is to gain empirical data from active nursing staff (those having direct patient contact) in order to obtain a firm evidence basis for determining the concrete need of support.