Patient advocacy by nurses - past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Ethics
• Patient Rights

Background:

• Patient advocacy is a core tenet of nursing.
• The precise meaning and application of patient advocacy in practice remain unclear.
• This paper explores patient advocacy within the context of Aotearoa/New Zealand nursing.

Observation:

• A historical review of patient advocacy in nursing practice is presented.
• Factors influencing nurses' ability to practice patient advocacy are examined.
• The study identifies barriers and facilitators to patient advocacy.

Findings:

• There is a significant disparity between the theoretical ideal of patient advocacy and its practical implementation in daily nursing.
• Nurses encounter challenges in fulfilling their advocacy role.
• Organizational factors can impede or support patient advocacy.

Implications:

• Effective patient advocacy requires a dual approach, involving individual nurses and their employing organizations.
• Addressing the gap between ideal and reality is essential for improving patient care and upholding nursing ethics.
• Future strategies should focus on strengthening both individual and systemic support for patient advocacy in nursing practice.