Autonomy through identification: a qualitative study of the process of identification used by people with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to clarify the process of identification with diabetes as a dimension of autonomy as described by people with type 2 diabetes.


BACKGROUND
People with type 2 diabetes view autonomy as competency in shaping one's life. This concept of autonomy has seven dimensions, which emerged as categories in prior research. Dynamic processes shape these dimensions of autonomy. One of the dimensions of autonomy is identification.


METHODS
This study has a qualitative descriptive and exploratory design and an inductive approach as described in grounded theory. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews. The sample consisted of 15 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a nurse-led, shared-care setting in the Netherlands.


RESULTS
The phases of identification are comprehending, struggling, evaluating and mastering. Each phase has its own characteristics. Identifying with the diabetes is a non-linear, cyclical and continuous process because people with diabetes have to deal with changing conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The dynamics of identification is directed to a process of identifying with diabetes and its care requirement. Recognizing identification as an element of autonomy enables nurses to adopt a more patient-oriented view of autonomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Nursing that fosters the process of identification promotes autonomy. This implies that a person with diabetes should be able to identify with the nurse's interventions. Hence it is vital that nurses build supportive partnerships when providing care for such a patient.
Moser
Albine
A
Department of Health Ethics and Philosophy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. a.moser@zw.unimaas.nl
van der Bruggen
Harry
H
Spreeuwenberg
Cor
C
Widdershoven
Guy
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005639:Frustration; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008019:Life Style; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009426:Netherlands; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires