Conscience Clause in the Professional Practice of a Nurse and Midwife: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Attitudes toward the conscience clause are a manifestation of the compromise between the conscience of the health care provider and the welfare of the patient. The aim of the study is to distinguish types of approaches of nurses and midwives to the conscience clause and factors that affect them. Methods The research was conducted by means of the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (the GSES) and a standardized questionnaire in the group of 270 nurses and 262 midwives (Poland). Results Nurses are characterized by three types of attitudes to the conscience clause: radically conservative, radically liberal as well as liberal-conservative. In the group of midwives moderately liberal, rational-liberal and radically conservative types of approaches were found. Factors that differentiate the attitude of nurses and midwives to the conscience clause include type of medical procedure, place of residence, education, maternal experience, seniority, attitude to faith in God and self-efficacy. Conclusions It is desirable for nursing and midwifery professionals to take steps toward addressing moral dilemmas through education, well-designed workplace guidelines, and engagement in research to uncover underlying barriers.