Empowermental nursing : Experiences of empowerment and disempowerment made by patients in need of long term nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review was to explore how empowerment strategies can intrinsically motivate healthy behavior of patients in need of long-term nursing. Apurpose model was used to understand how behavior is influenced by cognitive elements of empowerment, and how these elements can be affected by environmental events. Eight elements that facilitate empowerment were found. These were contrasted by eight elements that impede empowerment. It was established that symmetrical relationships are prerequisites for empowerment. These relationships must be built on openness, mutuality, confidence and influence to be empowering. It was also found that nurses can not influence a patient’s behavior, but that all true and lasting behavioral change must be intrinsically motivated.