RESEARCH ARTICLE
Can Participation in Documentation Influence Experiences of Involvement in Care Decision-Making?
Hanna Vestala1, Gunilla Hollman Frisman*, 2, 3
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2013Volume: 7
First Page: 66
Last Page: 72
Publisher ID: TONURSJ-7-66
DOI: 10.2174/1874434620130516002
Article History:
Received Date: 25/2/2013Revision Received Date: 18/4/2013
Acceptance Date: 2/5/2013
epreprint16/5/2013
Electronic publication date: 31/5/2013
Collection year: 2013

open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
Abstract
Introduction:
Patients have the right to influence the care they receive, but their wish to participate in care decision-making is unclear.
Aim:
This study investigates whether participation in nursing documentation influences patient participation in care decision-making, mastery, self-esteem, empowerment and depressive feelings among adult in-patients with chronic disease.
Materials and Methodology:
Adult patients (n=39) with chronic diseases were randomized. The intervention group participated in nursing documentation. Upon departure, patients filled in questionnaires about participation in care decision-making, mastery, self-esteem, empowerment and depressive feelings.
Results:
The majority of the patients preferred a collaborative or passive role regarding care decision-making. Lack of knowledge was one reason for non-participation. Having been diagnosed more than five years previously meant stronger empowerment.
Conclusion:
It is a challenge for nurses to find strategies to assess patients’ wishes regarding participation in care decision-making. Nurses must support patients’ knowledge of their disease and empowerment.