Empowerment

About: Empowerment is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 42112 publications have been published within this topic receiving 752953 citations.

Customer empowerment and relationship outcomes in healthcare consultations

Abstract: Purpose – Several trends such as improved access to health care information via the internet, the growth of self‐help groups and expenditure on alternative medicine signals consumers are taking an active role in their own health management. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma require a significant amount of self‐management and thus call for a collaborative patient‐physician relationship. This study explores whether empowering patient‐physician consultations measured through three patient empowerment dimensions (patient control, patient participation, physician support) enhance patients trust in and commitment to their physician.Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive mail survey of adults registered with one of four different chronic illness associations in Australia was conducted to collect the data.Findings – The structural equation modelling results show that patients are more trusting of and committed to physicians who adopt an empowering communication style with them.Research limitati...

Women's empowerment and choice of contraceptive methods in selected African countries.

Abstract: METHODS: Data came from the latest round of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2006 and 2008 in Namibia, Zambia, Ghana and Uganda. Responses from married or cohabiting women aged 15–49 were analyzed for six dimensions of empowerment and the current use of female-only methods or couple methods. Bivariate and multivariate multinomial regressions were used to identify associations between the empowerment dimensions and method use. RESULTS: Positive associations were found between the overall empowerment score and method use in all countries (relative risk ratios, 1.1–1.3). In multivariate analysis, household economic decision making was associated with the use of either female-only or couple methods (1.1 for all), as was agreement on fertility preferences (1.3–1.6) and the ability to negotiate sexual activity (1.1–1.2). In Namibia, women’s negative attitudes toward domestic violence were correlated with the use of couple methods (1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention programs aimed at increasing contraceptive use may need to involve different approaches, including promoting couples’ discussion of fertility preferences and family planning, improving women’s self-efficacy in negotiating sexual activity and increasing their economic independence.

Towards a comprehensive theory of nurse/patient empowerment: applying Kanter's empowerment theory to patient care.

Abstract: spence laschinger h.k., gilbert s., smith l.m. & leslie k. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management18, 4–13 Towards a comprehensive theory of nurse/patient empowerment: applying Kanter’s empowerment theory to patient care Aim The purpose of this theoretical paper is to propose an integrated model of nurse/patient empowerment that could be used as a guide for creating high-quality nursing practice work environments that ensure positive outcomes for both nurses and their patients. Background There are few integrated theoretical approaches to nurse and patient empowerment in the literature, although nurse empowerment is assumed to positively affect patient outcomes. Evaluation The constructs described in Kanter’s (1993) work empowerment theory are conceptually consistent with the nursing care process and can be logically extended to nurses’ interactions with their patients and the outcomes of nursing care. Key issues We propose a model of nurse/patient empowerment derived from Kanter’s theory that suggests that empowering working conditions increase feelings of psychological empowerment in nurses, resulting in greater use of patient empowerment strategies by nurses, and, ultimately, greater patient empowerment and better health outcomes. Conclusions Empirical testing of the model is recommended prior to use of the model in clinical practice. Implications for Nursing Management We argue that empowered nurses are more likely to empower their patients, which results in better patient and system outcomes. Strategies for managers to empower nurses and for nurses to empower patients are suggested.

Community Care: Policy and Practice

Abstract: Guide to Reading the Book - Introducing Community Care - From Institutions to Care in the Community: The History of Neglect - Community Care and the Restructuring of Welfare - Towards User and Carer Empowerment? - Leaders at Last?: The Changing Role of Social Services - The Health Dimension of Community Care:Towards Collaborative Working? - Housing and Community Care - European Perspectives on Community Care - Community Care in the 1990s: Achievements, Failures and Challenges for the Future

Rigid Response in an Age of Accountability The Potential of Leadership and Trust

Abstract: Purpose: The No Child Left Behind Act laudably brings social justice and equity issues to the forefront; however, the act’s threat- and sanction-driven methods are not only increasing stress levels but potentially causing a rigid response, especially in the growing population of schools labeled program improvement (PI). Specifically, threat–rigid responses tend to limit options and information flow, constrain decision making, and increase stress. The question then becomes, what can mitigate the organizational effects of perceived threat? This study hypothesizes the following: Trust and leadership dimensions that support empowerment and involvement will predict an educational organization’s ability to minimize a threat–rigid response and flexibly negotiate new demands. Research Methods: This study utilized original instruments to measure threat–rigidity, trust, and leadership. Specifically, teachers and site administrators were surveyed in four districts representing eight schools in PI and six schools in non-PI, to test the hypothesis that the multifaceted construct of trust and leadership has a predictive relationship with threat–rigid response. Data were also collected from focus groups of teachers and from interviews with principals from two schools in PI. Findings: Findings of multiple linear regression models, focus groups, and interviews indicate that the presence of trust and leadership approaches that are participative and inclusive predicted lower levels of threat–rigid response by teachers and administrators in PI schools. Implications for Research and Practice: Results suggest that when predictive factors such as trust, empowerment, and involvement are present, teachers and administrators perceive a less rigid response in schools under sanction from PI. This finding suggests the expanding role of trust as a resource for schools and districts that are negotiating accountability demands. Policy makers may well consider initiatives that move beyond compliance to the building of organizational capacity.