An advocate for whom--doctor or patient? How far can a nurse be a patient's advocate?
1. Nursing has always placed a great deal of emphasis on safeguarding patients' interests. 2. The role of advocate is presented as a key means by which nurses can represent the patient's 'best interests'. 3. Healthcare is so laden down by issues of power and politics that it raises doubts about whether nurses are actually in a position to act as the patient's advocate.
Kendrick
K
K
D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D026706:Paternalism; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D026684:Personal Autonomy