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Self-determination in surgical patients in five European countries
Maritta Välimäki1, Helena Leino-Kilpi, Matti Grönroos
1University of Turku, Department of Nursing Science, 20014 Turku, Finland. numava@uta.fi
Objective:
To analyze the effects of informational support, desire for behavioral involvement in health decision-making (behavioral involvement), opportunities to make decisions, and independence on subjective health status in surgical patients. A theoretical model of self-determination was applied and tested.
Methods:
The data were collected by structured questionnaires with a sample of 1,454 surgical patients in five European countries. LISREL analyses were used to test the theoretical causal model of self-determination.
Results:
Patients' perceptions of informational support received from nursing professionals and their desired involvement in health decision-making affected patients' opportunities to make decisions and further their independence level, which in turn affected patients' subjective health status.
Conclusions:
Understanding of factors that increase self-determination in patients can help health care professionals to promote patients' well-being.
