Sammanfattning
Background: Patient participation benefits the patient and is a core concept of patient-centred
care. Patients believe in their ability to prevent errors; thus, they may play a vital role in combating
adverse event rates in hospitals.
Aims and objectives: To explore hospitalised medical patients’ perceptions of participating in nursing
care, including the barriers and facilitators for this activity.
Research methods: This interpretive study was conducted on four medical wards, in two hospitals.
Purposeful maximum variation sampling was operationalised to recruit patients that differed in areas
such as age, gender and mobility status. In-depth semi-structured audiotaped interviews were
undertaken and analysed using inductive content analysis.
Results: Twenty patients participated in the study. Four categories were uncovered in the data. First,
valuing participation showed patients’ willingness to participate, viewing it as a worthwhile task.
Second, exchanging intelligence was a way of participating where patients’ knowledge was built and
shared with health professionals. Third, on the lookout was a type of participation where patients
monitored their care, showing an attentive approach towards their own safety. Fourth, power
imbalance was characterised by patients feeling their opportunities for participation were restricted.
Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.