Perceptions of Autonomy in the Care of Elderly People in Five European Countries

Abstract

The focus of this article is perceptions of elderly patients and nurses regarding patients' autonomy in nursing practice. Autonomy is empirically defined as having two components: information received/given as a prerequisite and decision making as the action. The results indicated differences between staff and patient perceptions of patient autonomy for both components in all five countries in which this survey was conducted. There were also differences between countries in the perceptions of patients and nurses regarding the frequency with which patients received information from nursing staff or were offered opportunities to make decisions. This is the second of a set of five articles published together in this issue of Nursing Ethics in which the results of this comparative research project are presented.

Factors influencing older people′s experiences of participation in autonomous decisions concerning their daily care in their own homes: a review of the literature

“…Today, autonomy is linked to the idea of individuals making their own decisions about their own actions without being influenced by others. It is difficult to agree on a single definition of autonomy (Scott et al ., ; Fjordside & Morville, ; Beauchamp & Childress, ). Beauchamp and Childress have undertaken a decades‐long study of the concept of autonomy, addressing the particular issues that characterise relationships between members of the public and carers in medical practice.…”

Nurses’ perceptions of individualized care: an international comparison

“…Previously, between‐country differences in nurses’ assessments of patient autonomy (Scott et al. 2003, Suhonen et al.…”

Development and psychometric evaluation of patient needs assessment in palliative care (PNAP) instrument

“…This includes a capability to organize one's life, make one's own decisions, understand one's situation, and develop and implement plans (Scott et al, 2003). Toward the end of life, the need for appreciation and self-esteem becomes increasingly important.…”