Excellence Through Evidence

Abstract

Autonomy is a multidimensional process. Clinical autonomy, the dimension in which patients are the primary beneficiaries, is the focus of this study. Despite high valuation and persistent challenges to nurses to function autonomously, the relationship between autonomous practice and patient outcomes has not been empirically established due, in large measure, to a lack of correspondence between concepts and measurement of autonomy and to a lack of knowledge of enabling structures. The purpose of the research reported here is to identify the structures, practices, elements in the environment, and interventions that nurses, nurse managers, and physicians identify as promoting staff nurse clinical autonomy. Implementation of these interventions would then enable clinical decision making at the frontline and would foster studies to determine whether the expected linkage between clinical autonomy and positive patient outcomes prevails.

Nurses' Attitude towards Professionalization and Factors Influencing

“…Low scores given to the aspect of autonomy in this study is consistent with the results of other studies. 7 , 30 Autonomy is interpreted as the right to decide for oneself and take action according to the decisions made 37 and autonomy in making decisions is considered as a professional characteristic. 38 Most researchers agree on the fact that autonomy is necessary in achieving a professional status in nursing.…”

Best Practices

“…[4][5][6] Commonly cited institutional barriers include the presence of differing organizational priorities and inadequate resources. In addition, US nurses cite a number of personal barriers that hinder their successful adoption of evidence-based practice, such as a perceived lack of confidence with computer databases, insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas, and not feeling sufficient authority to change care routines.…”