Unit work environment, psychological empowerment and support for patient activation among nurses

To investigate the relationship between the unit work environment and psychological empowerment of nurses and their perceptions of patient activation.

Nurses' support for active patient roles in the care process is critical for better patient outcomes. The factors influencing nurses' support for patient activation should be thoroughly investigated.

This study was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis using the survey data of 1,042 nurses in 98 units at six hospitals in Korea.

Nurses with perceptions that their work was valuable and autonomy in their work were more likely to work in units where managers had greater managerial and leadership skills and staffing and resources were sufficient. Those with confidence in their work were more likely to work in units with adequate staffing and resources. Nurses who worked with adequate staffing and resources and considered their work meaningful were more likely to perceive patient activation as more important.

Favourable work environments at unit level and psychological empowerment at nurse level can strengthen nurses' support for patient activation.

To strengthen nurses' support for active patient roles, organisations should ensure optimal staffing and resources to each unit and help nurses find value in their work.