Etiska frågor i kirurgisk vård

Abstract

This article describes the views of surgical inpatients (n=464) and nursing staff (n=451) on the realisation of patient autonomy and informed consent in Finland. The data for the study were collected in a questionnaire and analysed by statistical methods. Patient autonomy was divided into two components, viz. decision-making and access to relevant information. Overall surgical patients enjoyed reasonably high levels of autonomy, although the views of patients and nurses differed statistically significantly. Significant differences were also observed between patients' and nurses' views on informed consent. Several background factors were associated with the realisation of autonomy and informed consent. Further research needs to pay attention to the most problematic areas: information about the risks involved in different surgical procedures, decision-making on alternative therapies, and the presence of a support person during procedures. Also the reasons for differences in the views of patients and nursing staff should be explored. The study forms part of an EU-funded project (BMH4-CT98–3555) coordinated by Finland and involving Spain, Greece, Germany and Scotland.