From the Guidelines
The nurse demonstrates adherence to the ethical principle of fidelity by actively partnering with patients and families in their care, as this action honors the commitment to respect and prioritize their unique needs, values, and preferences. Fidelity in nursing practice is about being faithful to the commitments made to patients, which includes maintaining a trustworthy relationship and following through on obligations 1. This principle is closely related to the concept of respect and dignity in care, where patients expect healthcare professionals to recognize their individuality, pay attention to their needs, and express empathy 1. By engaging patients and families as active partners in their care, nurses can promote higher patient satisfaction, adherence to therapy, and better emotional health 1. Some key actions that demonstrate fidelity include:
- Learning about the patient's background and expressing concern for their physical and emotional health
- Recognizing the patient as an individual and incorporating their preferences, values, and beliefs into care
- Engaging in informed or shared decision making and collaborative goal setting for care
- Providing care that respects the patient's autonomy and dignity, as emphasized in the principles for patient and family partnership in care 1.
From the Research
Adherence to the Ethical Principle of Fidelity
The ethical principle of fidelity in nursing refers to the obligation to act in good faith and maintain a faithful relationship with patients. This principle is essential in building trust and ensuring that patients receive high-quality care.
- Key aspects of fidelity in nursing include:
- Keeping promises and fulfilling agreements
- Maintaining relationships and being present for patients
- Acting with empathy, authenticity, and trust
- Respecting patients' autonomy and dignity As noted in the study 2, acting faithfully in the nurse-person relationship is a fundamental aspect of nursing ethics.
Demonstrating Fidelity in Nursing Practice
Nurses can demonstrate fidelity in their practice by:
- Being reliable and dependable in their interactions with patients
- Maintaining confidentiality and respecting patients' privacy
- Communicating effectively and honestly with patients and their families
- Following through on commitments and promises made to patients According to the study 3, the nurse-patient relationship is built on attributes such as empathy, presence, contact, authenticity, trust, and reciprocity, which are essential for demonstrating fidelity.
Importance of Fidelity in Nursing
The principle of fidelity is crucial in nursing as it:
- Helps build trust and rapport with patients
- Promotes patient satisfaction and positive health outcomes
- Enhances the nurse-patient relationship and communication
- Supports the development of a therapeutic relationship between the nurse and patient As discussed in the study 4, teaching nursing ethics via scenarios and group discussion can improve nurses' adherence to ethical codes, including the principle of fidelity, and enhance patients' satisfaction with nursing care.