(Not) Being cared for in hospital settings: patients' experience from Foucault's perspective

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Studies
• Sociology of Health
• Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

• Patient experiences of hospital care are complex.
• Understanding these experiences requires examining power dynamics and knowledge within healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patients' perceptions of care and lack of care in hospitals.
• To analyze these experiences through the lens of Michel Foucault's theoretical framework.

Main Methods:

• Grounded Theory methodology was employed.
• Data were collected from 30 participants.

Main Results:

• Key concepts identified include "enjoying safe care" (receiving and feeling safe) and "identifying unsafe care" (recognizing risks and feeling insecure).

Conclusions:

• Patient voices reveal crucial aspects of care security and insecurity.
• Foucault's theories illuminate power, knowledge, and discipline in hospital interactions, emphasizing patient empowerment.