A concept analysis of autonomy
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Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses
Published on: January 7, 2019
1Cardiac Medicine, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust and Oxford Brookes University, England.
Abstract:
Clinical and policy developments in health care have recently created demand for a professional response in terms of the development of advanced roles for nurses, notably 'nurse practitioner' roles. Such roles demand the exercise of autonomy, a term which eludes succinct definition despite the fact that the preparation of practitioners for these roles relies on a clear understanding of its nature. Utilizing an approach described by Wilson, this paper undertakes a concept analysis of autonomy, each step illustrated with examples taken from clinical practice, with the ultimate aim of offering an operational definition of autonomy.
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