OBJECTIVE

A systematic literature review, using a metasummary technique for qualitative studies (n=15) was conducted to describe the nature of empowering discourses between patient and nurse.

METHODS

Computerised searches from 1995 to October 2005 were conducted on the Ovid Medline database using the keywords empower(), power(), resource(), participat(), facilitat(), negotiat(), communicat(), interact(), dialog(), discours(), discuss(), encount(), conversat(*) and 'nurse-patient relations'. All statements concerning empowering discourse were integrated into 29 abstracted findings. Frequency and intensity effect sizes were then calculated.

RESULTS

Empowering discourses vary from study to study. Analysed as a whole, an empowering discourse has specific characteristics and structure. Both patients and nurses have essential roles within this type of discourse and their relationship is characterized by an appreciation of each other's expertise within these roles.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review show empowerment during discourse between patient and nurse has a complex and multifaceted but analysable nature. More research is needed to find systematic methods of empowering discourse.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The results of this study increase nurses' understanding of empowering methods in patient education identifying ways of facilitating patient empowerment.