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Advocacy: exploring the concept
The British Journal of Theatre Nursing : Natnews : the Official Journal of the National Association of Theatre Nurses
|October 1, 1996
Summary
The role of nurses as patient advocates is increasingly recognized, but their ability to fulfill this role varies across diverse healthcare settings. Challenges arise from the nature of nursing practice and potential conflicts within healthcare organizations.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Ethics
- Healthcare Advocacy
- Professional Conduct
Background:
- The concept of the nurse as a patient advocate has gained prominence in North America and the UK over the past 15 years, rooted in nursing theory.
- Professional bodies like the UKCC mandate nurses to safeguard patient well-being, acknowledging societal vulnerability.
- The diverse nature of nursing practice raises questions about the consistent ability of nurses to act as advocates in all settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the concept of nursing advocacy within contemporary healthcare.
- To explore the practical challenges and limitations nurses face when acting as patient advocates.
- To question the universal applicability of the nurse as patient advocate model across all nursing specialties and organizational structures.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of nursing advocacy.
- Discussion of the definition and scope of advocacy in nursing.
- Exploration of situational and organizational factors impacting nurses' advocacy roles.
Main Results:
- Advocacy in nursing is context-dependent, varying significantly across different practice environments (e.g., theatre nursing).
- Nurses may face conflicts with medical colleagues or management when advocating for patients.
- Lack of necessary skills or organizational support can hinder effective nursing advocacy.
Conclusions:
- While patient advocacy is a core nursing principle, its practical implementation is complex and not always feasible.
- Nurses may encounter significant barriers, including professional conflicts and skill deficits, in fulfilling their advocacy role.
- Further examination of the nurse's role in advocacy is needed, considering the realities of diverse healthcare settings and organizational dynamics.