Exploring the Implications of Patient Advocacy Outcomes among Practicing Nurses within the Hospital Context: A Qualitative Research

Background: Nurses are expected by their international code of ethics to advocate for patients to enhance safety and quality care. However, there is a limited understanding regarding the implications of specific patient advocacy outcomes experienced by nurses who advocate for patients in the hospital context. Purpose: This study explored the implications of patient advocacy outcomes experienced among practicing nurses in the hospital context. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study design was utilized. Data was collected through purposive sampling and an in-depth semi-structured interview of 25 Registered Nurses in an acute care hospital. An inductive qualitative content analysis method was used, and the SRQR guidelines for reporting qualitative studies were followed. Results: This study revealed that nurses who succeeded in advocating for patients experienced feelings of happiness, increased confidence levels, increased work output, and job satisfaction. However, nurses who failed to succeed in advocating for patients experienced physical, emotional, and psychological consequences, which contributed negatively to the quality of patient care. Therapeutic communication and nurses’ commitment to intervene for patients emerged as vital qualities and skills required to succeed in the patient advocacy process. Conclusions: This study showed that patient advocacy has advantages. However, when nurses fail to succeed in their attempt to advocate for patients in clinical practice, the outcomes can negatively affect their own well-being and the quality of patient care delivery. These study results could promote awareness and help nurses to develop strategies for improving patient advocacy activities based on their experiences. Additionally, nurses can seek help, including psychological counseling, when necessary to enhance their optimal well-being as they care for their patients. Nursing educational institutions and hospital managers can support, train, and equip nurses with the required skills for enhancing positive advocacy outcomes.