Nurses Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Patient-Refusing Medication in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Patient refusal is one effective or egoistic approach to medication; it is a complicated ethical and clinical issue to be faced by healthcare professionals, particularly nurses who are important in safeguarding adherence to the treatment. The cultural and legal factors and ethical dynamics are unique in Saudi Arabia, so it is necessary to learn what nurses know about patients refusing medication and their opinions on the topic to improve patient-centered care. Aim: This study was intended to determine the level of knowledge and attitude of nurses towards the refusal of drugs by patients in Saudi Arabian hospitals. Design: A quantitative cross-sectional research design with the use of a structured, validated self-administered questionnaire was used. A sample of 340 of registered nurses employed in any department within tertiary care hospitals was collected. The survey measured the actual level of knowledge as well as the attitudes towards the patients who declined medication. The data interpretation was done using descriptive and inferential statistics, which included Pearson correlation and regression. Findings: The outcomes showed that most of the nurses had moderate knowledge levels, but there were serious gaps in legal and ethical knowledge. The general attitude towards the patients who had refused medication was empathetic, although a few nurses had been frustrated in particular cases where such refusal had been considered a threat to patient safety. There was a statistically significant correlation between knowledge levels and positive attitudes (p < 0.05), such that more informed nurses were deemed to respect patient autonomy. Conclusion: Raising the level of knowledge among nurses in individual areas of litigation and emerging ethical situations through specific training could also positively impact the attitude and end up in the establishment of patient-oriented care routines in Saudi hospitals