Navigating ethics: Nurses’ experiences with hospital information systems in the digital age

BackgroundDigitalization is a widespread global phenomenon that is increasingly integrated into healthcare delivery. Nursing, as the largest group of healthcare professionals, relies heavily on Hospital Information Systems (HIS) to record and access patient data. This reliance raises important concerns regarding privacy, security, and the ethical standards of care.AimThis qualitative study sought to investigate the ethical experiences of nurses utilizing HIS in patient care delivery.Research DesignA qualitative exploratory design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews in line with COREQ guidelines. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.Participants and Research ContextThe study included 17 nurses involved in patient care within a healthcare setting.Ethical ConsiderationsThe research received ethical approval from the relevant ethics committee. All participants provided informed consent and were guaranteed confidentiality and anonymity.ResultsThree themes emerged from the data: patient privacy, ethical behavior, and ethical challenges.ConclusionAddressing the ethical experiences of nurses using HIS is crucial to enhancing care quality. However, issues like unauthorized access and lack of training highlight the need for ongoing education and privacy awareness initiatives to support ethical nursing practice in the digital era.