Conducting research into assaults on mental health nurses during COVID-19: a reflection on a professional and ethical dilemma

Abstract

This article describes and reflects upon ethical dilemmas encountered during the data collection phase of a doctoral study exploring the experiences of mental health nurses who have been assaulted by patients in secure settings. It considers the researcher's position as an ‘insider’ and highlights the potential for this status to influence assumptions, conflicts and decisions in relation to ethical considerations. The projection of the researcher's own emotional experience onto participants is recognised to be a significant factor, emphasising the importance of reflection and reflexivity during the process. The dilemmas discussed are situated in and influenced by the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.