Knowing the patient and the impact on patient participation: a grounded theory study

Currently, there is an emphasis on patient participation. Studies have demonstrated that when patients participate in their care, they experience positive outcomes such as greater satisfaction with care and decreased vulnerability. Nurses are of the opinion that patients should participate in their care. Literature and research indicate, however, that there is an incongruence between nurses' pro-participatory attitudes and actual practice. Grounded theory was used to identify factors relevant to patient participation from the nurses' and patients' perspectives. Using purposive sampling from four hospitals in Western Australia, in-depth interviews and participant observation were conducted. The constant comparative method of analysis was used. As this study is in progress, the core category and sub-categories are still being refined. One category that has emerged strongly is 'knowing the patient' and the outcome on patient participation. This paper will discuss this category from the nurses and patients perspective including recommendations.