Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
13 p.
Publication Date
6-2014
Publisher
Wiley
Source Publication
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Source ISSN
0309-2402
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1111/jan.12286
Abstract
Aim
To explore the trajectory of associations between the nursing care process of patient empowerment during postsurgical hospitalization and postdischarge patient self-management outcomes, specifically patient activation and functional health status.
Background
Patient-centred care models advocate for patient empowerment in long-term illness care. Postsurgical patients with life-threatening long-term illnesses frequently feel powerless, have unmet needs, decreased functional health status and high readmission rates; however, previous studies of patient empowerment have conceptualized empowerment as an outcome primarily in outpatient settings, with little attention paid to provider processes used to empower patients during hospitalizations.
Design
A non-experimental, prospective, correlational study.
Methods
This sample consisted of 113 postsurgical cancer and cardiac patients enrolled between August 2012–February 2013. Patient perceptions of patient-empowering nurse behaviours and baseline patient activation were measured prior to discharge. Patient activation and functional health status were measured 6 weeks following discharge. Data were analysed with multiple linear regression using a simultaneous equation approach.
Results
Patients reported high perceptions of patient-empowering nurse behaviours and patient activation levels. Functional health status scores were below population norms. Patient perceptions of empowering nurse behaviours were positively associated with postdischarge patient activation, which was positively associated with mental functional health status. Length of stay was the only significant predictor of physical functional health status.
Conclusion
This study provides further quantitative evidence supporting the relationship between quality nursing care and postdischarge patient outcomes. Intentional use of patient-empowering nurse behaviours could lead to improved patient activation and functional health status in postsurgical patients with life-threatening long-term illnesses.
Recommended Citation
Jerofke-Owen, Teresa; Weiss, Marianne E.; and Yakusheva, Olga, "Patient Perceptions of Patient-Empowering Nurse Behaviours, Patient Activation and Functional Health Status in Postsurgical Patients with Life-Threatening Long-Term Illnesses" (2014). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 247.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/247
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of Advanced Nursing, Vol. 70, No. 6 (2013): 1310-1322. DOI. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Used with permission.