Patient Participation in Nursing Care: Views From Ghanaian Nurses, Nursing Students, and Patients

Abstract

Previous studies on patient participation reported inconclusive benefits of patient participation in health care. Consequently, the World Health Organization is actively highlighting the need for the participation of patients and their families in their care. The aim of this study was to explore the views of nurses, nursing students, and patients on patient participation in Ghanaian hospitals. Sixty-five participants made up of 15 patients, 25 registered general nurses, and 25 undergraduate nursing students were involved in the study. Data collection was done through interviews and focus group discussions. Content analysis was utilized in analyzing the data to generate four main categories. These categories were as follows: (a) meaning of patient participation in Ghana, (b) patient participation encouraged more during discharge education, (c) patient participation in nursing care higher in private and smaller hospitals, and (d) perceived facilitators and inhibitors of patient participation in nursing care. Participants in this study indicated that patient participation in nursing care meant involvement of patient in treatment decisions and nursing care procedures. Participants agreed that patient participation in nursing care was mostly encouraged during discharge education. Participation was perceived to be higher in private and smaller hospitals. Wealth and higher education were perceived as facilitators of patient participation while workload and high patient acuity were perceived as inhibitors.

People’s experiences of their involvement in nursing care: a systematic review protocol

“…[6][7][8] From this point of view, it is argued that person participation in their care can only happen when there is mutual trust, respect, and commitment between nurses and people. [6][7][8][9] Several studies describe that this approach promotes individualized care, based on a partnership between nurses and people who receive nursing care. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Thus, this process means that the person is involved and taken into account in decision-making regarding the provision of nursing care.…”

“…[6][7][8][9] Several studies describe that this approach promotes individualized care, based on a partnership between nurses and people who receive nursing care. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Thus, this process means that the person is involved and taken into account in decision-making regarding the provision of nursing care. [6][7][8] Authors report that the involvement and participation of the person in nursing care promotes better health outcomes for the person, improves satisfaction levels and improves the person's experience of hospitalization.…”

“…Concerning this there are studies that have aimed to explore people's experiences of their involvement and participation in nursing care in a hospital setting, because of the importance described above. 9,15,[17][18][19] Thus, once evidence-informed healthcare considers the experience of the person being cared for, in addition to the best available evidence, the care context, and the professional's critical judgment, 20 it is necessary to synthesize the evidence about people's experiences of their involvement and participation in nursing care in a hospital setting.…”