A concept analysis of autonomy

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.