Towards a comprehensive theory of nurse/patient empowerment: applying Kanter's empowerment theory to patient care.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this theoretical paper is to propose an integrated model of nurse/patient empowerment that could be used as a guide for creating high-quality nursing practice work environments that ensure positive outcomes for both nurses and their patients.


BACKGROUND
There are few integrated theoretical approaches to nurse and patient empowerment in the literature, although nurse empowerment is assumed to positively affect patient outcomes.


RESULTS
The constructs described in Kanter's (1993) work empowerment theory are conceptually consistent with the nursing care process and can be logically extended to nurses' interactions with their patients and the outcomes of nursing care.


RESULTS
We propose a model of nurse/patient empowerment derived from Kanter's theory that suggests that empowering working conditions increase feelings of psychological empowerment in nurses, resulting in greater use of patient empowerment strategies by nurses, and, ultimately, greater patient empowerment and better health outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Empirical testing of the model is recommended prior to use of the model in clinical practice.


CONCLUSIONS
We argue that empowered nurses are more likely to empower their patients, which results in better patient and system outcomes. Strategies for managers to empower nurses and for nurses to empower patients are suggested.
Spence Laschinger
Heather K
HK
Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, Canada. hkl@uwo.ca
Gilbert
Stephanie
S
Smith
Lesley M
LM
Leslie
Kate
K
D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009742:Nursing Theory; D005791:Patient Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012944:Social Support; D017132:Workplace