Barriers to practicing patient advocacy in healthcare setting

Abstract

Aim: To explore barriers to practicing patient advocacy in healthcare setting.

Design: This study used a qualitative research approach to arrive at the study result.

Methods: Twenty-five Registered Nurses were purposively selected. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: The main theme identified was lack of cooperation between healthcare team, care recipients and the health institution which included the health institution and work environment, ineffective communication and interpersonal relationship, patients' family, religious and cultural beliefs. Unsuccessful advocacy resulted in increased complications, death, negative consequence on the health institution and nursing as a profession. This study has significantly created awareness of the need for an improved patient advocacy to enhance the quality and safety in the care of patients.

Keywords: Registered Nurses; barriers; healthcare setting; patient advocacy.