Exploring ethical aspects of elective surgery patients' decision-making experiences.
The practice of respecting patients' autonomy is rooted in the healthcare professionals' empathy for patients' situations, without which appropriate supports to the patients during the informed consent process may be remarkably moderated. The purpose of this study was to explore elective surgery patients' experiences during their decision-making process. This research was conducted using a phenomenological approach, and the data analysis was guided by Colaizzi's method. A total of 17 participants were recruited from a hospital in southern Taiwan. Two major themes emerged from the analyses: (a) a voluntary yet necessary alternative--to undergo a surgery and (b) alternatives compelled by the unalterable decision--the surgery. It was concluded that unless healthcare professionals can empathize with the distressed situation of their patients who are facing elective surgery, the practice of informed consent may become merely a routine. Nurses can be the best advocates for patients and facilitators to enhance communication between patients and healthcare personnel.
National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan; National Changhua University of Education, Taiwan.
Mei-Ling
ML
Lin
Chuen-Teng
CT
Huang
Hsien-Hsien
HH
Chiang
Ching-Huey
CH
Chen
D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000941:ethics*; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000941:ethics*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000941:ethics*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000941:ethics; D013624:Taiwan