Paternalism VS Patient Empowerment: Nursing Challenges from Spain and Greece

• Published in: International journal of caring sciences Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 2288 - 2293
• Main Authors: Fountouki, Antigoni, Sanchez, Maria Andrades, Theofanidis, Dimitrios
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nicosia Professor Despina Sapountzi - Krepia Publisher of the International Journal of Caring Sciences 01.09.2020
• Subjects: Attitudes; Bioethics; Communication; Decision making; Empowerment; Health care delivery; Nursing care; Paternalism; Power; Professionals; Spanish literature; Greece; Spain
• ISSN: 1791-5201; 1792-037X

Paternalism as opposed to patient empowerment creates challenges for nursing and the medical profession. Aim: The main objective of this paper is to provide a platform of reassessing paternalistic infiltration to nursing practice versus the recent drive towards patient empowerment, within a context of two contemporary European societies, i.e. Spain and Greece. Moreover, a specific objective of this paper is to provide a background illustrating the new ethical model of nursing. Method: A particular method of description was chosen, based on proverbs and sayings of lay wisdom which served the basis for critical analysis and discussion based on papers selected from both the English and Spanish literature. Results: A thematic analysis revealed five subheadings as follows: Professional-user/patient relationship: a bioethical view; Overprotection or negligence; Autonomy and beneficence; The problem: how to face it from the training and Legal framework in Spain and Greece. Discussion: Results were discussed as they were presented in a narrative form of presentation and proverbs were used accordingly. The paternalistic model presents many problematic aspects on the patient and his/her course of treatment. Yet, it would not be necessary to weigh individual autonomy against other principles such as, for example, the principle of the sacred nature of life or not harming during professional health care delivery. Conclusions: The relationship between a health professional and an individual with health needs that used to follow a clearly paternalistic model has been transformed and continues to evolve towards a relationship with the active participation of the health service user. Overall, through dialogue, communication in all its forms in consultations and discussions is the optimum alternative approach to achieve excellent nursing care.