Comparing the actual and preferred viewpoint of patients about observation of their autonomy in the process of nursing care: A cross-sectional study in Iran, 2023
نویسندگان
1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
2 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
3 Clinical Education Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
doi
10.48307/nms.2025.486411.1505چکیده
Background: Patient autonomy is a fundamental principle of nursing ethics and is prominently highlighted in the Code of Ethics for Nurses. However, there is a notable gap in the existing literature regarding patients' actual versus preferred perceptions of the respect for their autonomy within nursing care.Objectives: This study aims to compare patients' actual and preferred perspectives on the observation of their autonomy during nursing care.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 231 patients hospitalized at an educational hospital in Saveh, Iran, from February to June 2023. Data were collected using a patient autonomy questionnaire developed by Lemonidou et al., (2003) which assessed two dimensions: information received and patient involvement in nursing care, in both preferred and actual versions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 22). Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests were utilized.Results: The mean scores for the information received by patients regarding their actual and preferred viewpoints were 26.0±7.6 and 26.43 ± 6.43, respectively, with no significant difference observed. In contrast, the mean scores for patient involvement in nursing care were 22.29 ± 5.06 for the actual viewpoint and 24.51 ± 4.9 for the preferred viewpoint, revealing a significant difference (P<0.05). The most substantial gap between actual and preferred perspectives was noted in the item concerning "choosing pain relief methods" (P<0.05).Conclusion: The findings indicate that patients perceive their autonomy as insufficiently respected in nursing care, particularly in relation to decision-making about treatment options. Given the critical importance of autonomy in patient care, it is recommended that nurses receive enhanced training on ethical principles through in-service programs. This approach would better acknowledge and integrate patients' rights and preferences into their care.
