Patient Advocacy: A Concept Analysis
Running Head: CONCEPT ANALYSIS
Concept Analysis: Patient Advocacy
Abstract
The purpose of this concept analysis is to clarify, define, and refine how patient advocacy is perceived in the nursing community. Much of the literature has attempted to define patient advocacy and emphasis its role within the nursing profession. This paper will discuss multiple definitions of patient advocacy from existing literature and refine them into two critical characteristics.
Concept Analysis: Patient Advocacy
(10%)I SELECTION OF CONCEPT
Patients often have a limited knowledge of illness and medicine, yet they desire more control over their healthcare. In many healthcare settings, patient care is inconsistent and "patients' quality of life and right to self-determination tend to be ignored" (Bu & Jezewski, 2006, p. 102). Nurses are in a unique position to "support and thereby advocate the patient's interests in the restoration of their health and well-being" (Marshall, 1994, p. 11). However, this is not always put into practice.
"The definition of patient advocacy is still confusing, and there is no consensus about its meaning among nurses and nurse authors" (Bu & Jezewski, 2006, p. 102). Today, many nurses have a limited view of what patient advocacy is and how to perform the challenging task of protecting and supporting patinets'rights. Greater clarity about the concept of patient advocacy is needed within the nursing field in order to improve practice.
(10%)II AIM OR PURPOSE OF THIS CONCEPT ANALYSIS
The aim of this paper is to clarify, define, and refine the concept of patient advocacy in order to expand its understanding in nursing practice.
(20%)III IDENTIFY ALL DEFINITIONS AND USES OF THE CONCEPT
A search of the literature reveals several different definitions of patient advocacy. Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines advocacy as "the act or...
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