Power as equal ability, knowledge and resistance: Systematic review of experiences of adults with noncommunicable...

To analyse subjective experiences of power of adults with noncommunicable diseases in relationships with healthcare practitioners as well as underlying facilitators and barriers of these experiences.

Systematic review (4 databases) of experiences using reflexive thematic analysis underpinned by critical realist approach. The analysis was conducted with an abductive reasoning using previous theories on social power as well as retroduction.

Based on 24 studies, we formed three themes, which depict experiences of power as 1) the position, equal ability and freedom to make one's own choices and (re)negotiate within shared dialogue, 2) the ability to use knowledge to claim one's rights, 3) resistance. Facilitators were connected to acknowledgement as an equally valuable individual, positive healthcare practitioner attitudes and actions towards patient activity and views, safety in the relationship as well as to sufficient, clear and varied information. Main barriers were experiences of dehumanisation, negative healthcare practitioner attitudes and actions, perceived or assumed practitioner domination in interactions, lack of or incomprehensible knowledge and testimonial smothering.

Results suggest that adults with noncommunicable diseases may experience power primarily as a positive power: being acknowledged as having legitimate position to make decisions and being in possession of varied knowledge through which they can gain agency to protect and claim their rights, by resisting, if necessary. Healthcare practitioners are in key position to support these experiences through positive transforming actions, while knowledge asymmetries, persistent inequality and paternalistic structures continue to hinder it.