Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Supporting Autonomy in ADL Care. How Nursing Students Learn in Theory Classes: A Qualitative Multi-Perspective Study.
Marjolein M C J Knibbeler1, Stan Vluggen, Erik van Rossum
1About the Authors Marjolein M. C. J. Knibbeler, MA, RN, Stan Vluggen, PhD, Erik van Rossum, PhD, Sandra M. G. Zwakhalen, PhD, are affiliated with Faculty of Healthcare, Academy of Nursing, Research Centre Community Care, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands. Marjolein M. C. J. Knibbeler, MA, RN, Erik van Rossum, PhD, Sandra M. G. Zwakhalen, PhD, Petra M. G. Erkens, PhD, are affiliated with Living Lab in Ageing and Long Term Care, Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Dutch nursing education rarely addresses client autonomy support in theory. Students primarily learn during internships, highlighting a need for updated curricula and integrated best practices in nursing schools.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Quality
- Patient Autonomy
Background:
- Supporting client autonomy is crucial for dignity and quality of life.
- Contextual factors and systemic pressures complicate autonomy support.
- Gaps exist in understanding how nursing students are prepared for autonomy support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the theoretical coverage of autonomy and autonomy support in Dutch nursing education.
- To identify how nursing students and educators perceive the teaching of autonomy support.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing document analysis of curricula and teaching materials.
- Interviews conducted with 10 nursing students and 10 nurse educators.
Main Results:
- Autonomy is infrequently discussed in nursing educational documents, lacking specific guidance.
- Educators' reliance on personal experience leads to varied student comprehension.
- Students predominantly acquire autonomy support knowledge during practical internships.
Conclusions:
- There is a consensus among students and educators for enhancing nursing curricula on autonomy support.
- Updating teaching materials and incorporating evidence-based practices are recommended.
- Strengthening theoretical education is vital for preparing nurses to effectively support patient autonomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:27Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
01:24Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data...
01:17Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
01:30Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
01:29Professional Values
The values that are the foundation of the nursing profession are altruism, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.
First, altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well-being of others without personal...