[Reflecting on nurse-patient relationships using core postmodernist concepts].
The task of defining, maintaining, and mutually adapting the nurse-patient relationship has been ongoing since modern nursing's earliest days. The nurse-patient relationship changes with social changes and paradigm shifts. Most medical centers today strive to incorporate the concept of partnership into the nurse-patient relationship in response to patient-centered medical care. What is the implication of this relationship? Is it suitable for all nurse-patient situations? What are the impacts on  nurses and patients? How should nurses adapt to change in nurse-patient relationships? This article analyzes and reflects upon the nurse-patient relationship within a postmodernist framework guided by concepts of "deconstruction", "de-centralization", "multiplicity", and "inter-subjectivity." We derive a "dual-active" and "dual-expert" partnership between nurses and patients that centers on patient disease management. Core values of this partnership are respect and caring, and strategies include emancipation, enlightenment, and empowerment.
Graduate Institute of Nursing, Kaoshiung Medical University.
Chia-Chi
CC
Kuo
Chi-Chun
CC
Chin
Fan-Hao
FH
Chou
D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011209:Power, Psychological