Essex, Ryan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3497-3137, Mainey, Lydia, Gonzales-Walters, Francine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6723-4173, Gurnett, Philip ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0445-0255 and Weldon, Sharon Marie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5487-5265 (2025) A scoping review of comparative healthcare codes of ethics studies. Journal of Advanced Nursing (JAN). ISSN 0309-2402 (Print), 1365-2648 (Online) (In Press)

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Abstract

Codes of ethics are, for many, important documents that define the key values and behaviours expected of healthcare professionals. They are also documents that have been widely criticised. These criticisms range from being vague to failing to provide guidance on many important issues. Codes, however, vary substantially in their scope, content and the guidance they provide. This scoping review sought, in the context of comparative studies of codes, to examine the form (i.e. the structure of the code, its contents, principles or rules for example) and function (what the code says it does, either explicitly or implicitly) of codes, along with their points of con/divergence. A systematic search was carried out using Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Medline. Thirty-one papers met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results suggest that while there were a number of similarities seen across codes, there were also substantial points of divergence related to the content of codes and structure. These differences were seen across professions, countries, and time, suggesting that culture, history, politics, and perhaps even geography influence the content of codes. These findings are discussed in light of the broader literature that examines and critiques codes.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	codes of ethics, scoping review, ethics, bioethics, healthcare
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Chronic Illness and Ageing Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Professional Workforce Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Last Modified:	14 Feb 2025 13:01
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/49749

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