Using a citizen consensus conference to revise the code of ethics for nurses in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
To revise the code of ethics for nurses in Taiwan.


METHODS
Citizen consensus conference, Delphi-technique, and questionnaire survey were used in the revising process.


METHODS
Citizen representatives were recruited for a 5-day citizen consensus conference to develop a first draft of the revised code. Further modification resulted from three rounds of communication with Delphi technique among experts. Three conferences for nursing professionals were conducted where questionnaire surveys were administered. The final draft was approved by the general assembly of Taiwan National Union of Nurses Associations.


RESULTS
A revised code of ethics for nurses in Taiwan was proposed in six parts and 27 articles including: the fundamental responsibilities of nurses (1), nurses and clients (12), nurses and professional services (4), nurses and social interactions (4), nurses and teamwork (3), and nurses and professional growth (3).


CONCLUSIONS
The citizen consensus conference was helpful in identifying the general public's expectation of nurses in the revision process. The revised Taiwanese code of ethics for nurses has new elements, including environmental protection, personal safety, lifetime learning, and self-care.
Lin
Chiou-Fen
CF
Graduate Institute of Medicine Sciences & Instructor, Taipei Medical University, College of Nursing, Taiwan.
Lu
Meei-Shiow
MS
Chiang
Hsien-Hsien
HH
Chung
Chun-Chih
CC
Lin
Tze-Luen
TL
Yin
Teresa J C
TJ
Yang
Che-Ming
CM
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D032781:Codes of Ethics; D003256:Community Participation; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D011639:Public Opinion; D012956:Societies, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan