Outcomes of Patient Empowerment

Upholding the view that patients know what they need opens nurses to the probability that some patients will make decisions that are not consistent with what the nurse or other health team members think is best. Such decisions may have a relatively minor impact on a patient’s or family’s health and well-being or may be judged to have potentially serious outcomes for the patient or family.

• What factors need to be considered when dealing with decisions involving differing values between patients and nurses?

• Give examples of situations in which patient empowerment might pose an ethical dilemma for you.

• If you feel a patient is making an unwise decision, how would you respond?

• Discuss your views regarding any limits or constraints on patient empowerment.