Challenging the balance of power: patient empowerment

Abstract

Empowering patients is a central element of nursing care, according to the RCN (2003). This article discusses the reality of changing the balance of power in health care, awareness of types of knowledge and the ways in which power may consciously or subconsciously be used. It also includes awareness of the financial and political aspects of health care and how these affect patient choice.

Patient empowerment within a coronary care unit: Insights for health professionals drawn from a patient satisfaction survey

“…This accords with the developing consumer and advocacy culture in the NHS exemplified by Patient Advice and Liaison Services (DoH, 2002), the Expert Patient (DoH, 2001) and a belief that consumers often knew best about their individual health, had a right to be involved in all related decisions and that there should be mutual respect between consumers and professionals (NHSE, 1997). However, for Hewitt-Taylor (2004), it is too simplistic to assume that the imbalance of power can be resolved by one party handing over their surplus to the other, and that this ignores the complexity of power related issues and the context of the relationship. McQueen et al (2002) go further in contending that empowerment is creating a 'false democracy' because of the imbalance in expertise, that the process may undermine 'clinical effectiveness' and thus contradict evidence based practice.…”

Patient empowerment in Europe: is no further research needed?

“…However, we should not overlook PE's significant contribution toward more patient-centered health care that encourages openness and honesty, so clinicians and patients can freely discuss their views [35]. Facilitated by the Internet [36], power has been shifting in our society anyway [22], health care included.…”

Parents and nurses during the immunization of children--where is the power? A conversation analysis

“…22 According to the Royal Council of Nurses, empowering patients is a central element of nursing care. 24 In reality this is not straightforward. Empowerment brings with it responsibility.…”