Empowerment, the

The concept of empowerment is one that is often discussed in the context of modern nursing practice. Empowerment has become somewhat of a ‘buzz’ word in the health care system and is often used out of context and without a true understanding of it’s meaning or implications to practice. This essay will attempt to conceptualise empowerment, specifically in nursing practice. Three areas will be analysed in an attempt to provide a simple overview of …

…of Advanced Nursing, 15, 1167-1174. Grace, V. (1991). The marketing of empowerment and the construction of the health consumer. International Journal of Health Services, 21, 329-343. Kuokkanen, L. and Leino-Kilpi, H. (2000). Power and empowerment in nursing: three theoretical approaches. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 31, 275-241. Lutz, J. & Bowers, J. (2000). Patient centered care: Understanding it’s interpretation and implementation in health care. Nursing Reasearch, 45, 165-182. Melville, M. (1997). Do patients have power in health care? British Journal of Nursing, June 1997, 337-340.