Empowerment of cancer patients: from a Chinese perspective

The philosophy of empowerment, which is based on the premises that clients must be active, equal and collaborative participants, who are aware and committed to change, has guided research in empowerment interventions. This article reports on a small part of a research study that sought to understand Chinese cancer patients' conceptualization of empowerment. Qualitative delineation of the concept of empowerment by means of in-depth interviews was carried out with 12 Chinese patients with cancer. The findings showed that empowerment is a process whereby patients develop a sense of inner strength through connection with others, including families, friends and health care professionals. It is also a process of transformation through which they actively develop new perspectives by reframing and reinterpreting their illness. Acceptance of illness was shown to result from a realization of a lack of control in the situation, which is then enhanced by the beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism. In the cancer context, personal control comprises both primary and secondary processes. Active involvement, awareness of the situation, partnership, self-determination and self-reliance are important values in empowerment. The concept and therapeutic foundations of empowerment provide ample legitimacy for its vigorous pursuit in nursing.