Is the Whistleblowing Behaviour of Nurses and Midwives Working in Delivery Rooms Related to Their Ethical Sensitivity? A Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

This study sought to explore the relationship between whistleblowing and ethical sensitivity among nurses and midwives working in delivery rooms.

Design

A sequential mixed-methods research design.

Method

Online data collection included 209 participants (quantitative/snowball sampling) via demographic forms and Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire, and 9 interviews (qualitative) with semistructured questions.

Results

The ethical sensitivity levels of the participants were found to be high. It was determined that the ethical sensitivity levels were higher in individuals who were married, had a bachelor's degree, were midwives, worked in shifts and wanted to make an ethical report in the past but could not do so. Qualitative data showed that the participants were most inclined to report legal violations such as theft, invasion of privacy and abuse of office. It was determined that whistleblowing was usually reported verbally or in writing to senior management; that whistleblowers felt brave but were afraid of possible negative consequences.

Conclusion

Ethical sensitivity was identified as a factor that influences whistleblowing among nurses and midwives working in delivery rooms. In the qualitative phase, participants tended to identify legal violations as whistleblowing triggers and mostly reported such incidents to high-level managers.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This study reveals the hesitancy of nurses and midwives to report, underlining the importance of a supportive health culture—an organizational climate within healthcare institutions that fosters transparency, psychological safety and ethical behavior to promote patient safety and accountability.

Impact

The study found that nurses' and midwives' ethical sensitivity influences their whistleblowing behaviours, with most reports directed at managers for legal violations. Fear of sanctions underscores the study's role in enhancing ethical climate and patient safety.

Reporting Method

MMAT guidelines were followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

Nurses and Midwiwes contributed to the results of the research, ensuring that it determined link between Whistleblowing behavior and ethical sensitivity.