Ethical principles of autonomy for patients receiving care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A concept analysis

Abstract

Applying ethical principles is crucial in providing nursing services to patients in any setting. Ethical principles serve as a foundation for nurses to deliver holistic care while avoiding harm to patients. To enhance our understanding of the principle of autonomy, an analysis of its concept can be conducted. However, research on concept analysis related to the ethical principle of autonomy in nursing is limited. This study aims to present a nursing perspective analysis of the concept of autonomy. Using the Walker and Avant (2011) approach, a concept analysis process was conducted by reviewing literature on autonomy through the ProQuest and Google Scholar databases. The search was restricted using the keywords "autonomy" and "intensive care unit" and the publication time frame from 1896 to 2023. Walker and Avant's (2011) concept analysis method involves eight steps that identify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of autonomy, leading to an operational definition of the concept. This concept analysis reveals that autonomy is the right to freedom or independence for individuals based on their desires, assumptions, and preferences in determining decisions and goals that align with good rules. Autonomy enables patients to attain goals, satisfaction, goodness, and comfort.

Keywords: Concept analysis; intensive care unit; autonomy; hospital care; emergency care; nursing practice