Abstract
Background: Ethical sensitivity (ES) is gaining increasing attention in healthcare due to its central role in guiding moral decision-making and shaping the quality of patient care. Despite its importance, ES lacks a consistent definition, and related terms are often used interchangeably, leading to conceptual ambiguity across professional disciplines. Objective: The aim of this analysis is to clarify the concept of ethical sensitivity in professional practice. Design: A Walker and Avant’s eight-step concept analysis method was employed to identify the defining attrib-utes, antecedents, consequences, model and related cases, and empirical referents of the concept. To support the analysis, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar using the descriptors ethical sensitivity, moral sensitivity, ethical awareness, and related terms. Literature published from 2009 onward was reviewed to capture contemporary conceptual developments. The final sample comprised 41 sources, in-cluding 32 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 books, and 2 doctoral theses, drawn from disciplines such as from nursing, medicine, psychology, social sciences, business, dentistry, journalism, and engineering. Findings and discussion: The analysis resulted in a clear conceptual definition of ES. Critical attributes identified include moral perception, divided loyalties, awareness of ethical issues, interpretation of ethical situations, empathy and perspective-taking, and commitment to professional ethical standards. Key antecedents include knowledge of ethical codes, professional experience, and exposure to ethical dilemmas. Consequences include enhanced patient outcomes, strengthened professional integrity, and reduction of moral distress. Conclusion: Ongoing refinement of the concept of ethical sensitivity is needed to strengthen its application in clinical practice. Further research and the development of standardized assessment tools are essential to support education, evaluation, and ethical competence among healthcare professionals.
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