TITLE:
Exploring the Implications of Patient Advocacy Outcomes among Practicing Nurses within the Hospital Context: A Qualitative Research
AUTHORS:
Comfort Nsiah, Jerry Paul Kukye-Ayiri Ninnoni, Mate Siakwa, Francis Nsiah
KEYWORDS:
Implications, Patient Advocacy, Nurses, Advocacy Outcomes, Qualitative Research
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
21,
2023
ABSTRACT:
Background: Nurses are expected by their international code of ethics to
advocate for patients to enhance safety and quality care. However, there is a
limited understanding regarding the implications of specific patient advocacy
outcomes experienced by nurses who advocate for patients in the hospital
context. Purpose: This study explored the implications of patient
advocacy outcomes experienced among practicing nurses in the hospital context. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study design was
utilized. Data was collected through purposive sampling and an in-depth
semi-structured interview of 25 Registered Nurses in an acute care hospital. An
inductive qualitative content analysis method was used, and the SRQR guidelines
for reporting qualitative studies were followed. Results: This study
revealed that nurses who succeeded in advocating for patients experienced
feelings of happiness, increased confidence
levels, increased work output, and job satisfaction. However, nurses who
failed to succeed in advocating for patients experienced physical, emotional,
and psychological consequences, which contributed negatively to the quality of
patient care. Therapeutic communication and nurses’ commitment to intervene for
patients emerged as vital qualities and skills required to succeed in the
patient advocacy process. Conclusions: This study showed that patient
advocacy has advantages. However, when nurses fail to succeed in their attempt
to advocate for patients in clinical practice, the outcomes can negatively
affect their own well-being and the quality of patient care delivery. These study results could promote awareness and
help nurses to develop strategies
for improving patient advocacy activities based on their experiences.
Additionally, nurses can seek help, including psychological counseling, when
necessary to enhance their optimal well-being as they care for their patients.
Nursing educational institutions and hospital managers can support, train, and equip nurses with the required skills for
enhancing positive advocacy outcomes.