Interpersonal relationships and patient autonomy in clinical rehabilitation teams. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ringstad, Øystein
• Is Part Of: Clinical ethics. Volume 9:Number 2/3(2014)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Qualitative research -- patient autonomy -- clinical rehabilitation -- interprofessional teams; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.205
• DOI: 10.1177/1477750914524070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-7509

Abstract

In interprofessional clinical teams, the patients have interpersonal relationships with several practitioners. The aim of this study was to explore patients' and practitioners' perceptions of how such relationships may contribute to promote the whole team's respect for the patient's autonomy, as interpersonal patient–provider relationships may contribute to enhance patient autonomy. Sixteen qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 informants, including patients, nurses, physiotherapists, and physicians from three rehabilitation teams. Data were analysed according to Grounded Theory procedures. The informants discussed interpersonal relationships as an integral and significant part of the team work. The practitioners tried to adjust their professional approach to the patients' genuine opinions and let patients decide the teams' goals. Close relationships with patients could be important to accomplish this, particularly described by nurses and physiotherapists, who could facilitate the communication with the rest of the team.