Autonomy support in telehealth: an evolutionary concept analysis

Area of Science:

• Healthcare innovation
• Digital health
• Patient autonomy

Background:

• Autonomy support is crucial for patient rights and health behaviors.
• Telehealth necessitates an evolution in understanding autonomy support.
• Bridging traditional healthcare with digital platforms requires updated frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the connotation of autonomy support within telehealth settings.
• To develop a conceptual framework for autonomy support in telehealth.
• To guide clinical practice innovations and theoretical advancements in digital health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Rodgers' evolutionary method for attribute, antecedent, and consequence clarification.
• Employed an integrative review strategy by Whittemore and Knafl for literature searching.
• Synthesized findings from twenty-five relevant research articles.

Main Results:

• Identified attributes: technical feedback, virtual agent, choice, rationale, empathy, collaboration, and strengths.
• Determined antecedents: telehealth service system, evolving awareness of autonomy support, and patient needs.
• Outlined consequences: multidimensional perception, emotional experience, health behavior, social relations, and technological dependence.

Conclusions:

• Established a clarified conceptual framework for autonomy support in telehealth.
• Provides a theoretical foundation for technology-enabled autonomy support strategies.
• Aims to better meet evolving patient needs in the digital age of healthcare.