Professional Autonomy of Nurses: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Ethics

Background:

• Professional autonomy is central to nursing practice but remains incompletely understood.
• Existing research necessitates a comprehensive conceptual explanation of nursing autonomy.
• Meta-synthesis provides a method to deepen understanding through existing studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate and explain the concept of professional autonomy in nursing.
• To synthesize existing qualitative research on nursing autonomy.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative meta-synthesis using a modified meta-ethnography approach (Noblit and Hare).
• Systematic search of multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) for relevant studies.
• Inclusion of qualitative studies published between 2003 and 2018.

Main Results:

• Thirteen articles detailing nurses' experiences with professional autonomy were analyzed.
• Meta-synthesis identified three core themes: professional competence, professional decision-making, and professional interactions.
• These themes form the basis for a conceptual interpretation of clinical nurses' professional autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Professional autonomy in nursing is an evolving attainment.
• It is founded on patient-focused professional competence and self-reliance.
• It is realized through informed decision-making and collaborative professional interactions to promote patient health.