What is the Role of Nurses in Supporting Decision Making Capacity?
Nurses play a pivotal role in supporting patients' decision making capacity by:
Educating Patients: Providing clear, comprehensive information about their condition and treatment options. Building Trust: Establishing a trusting relationship to encourage open communication. Advocating for Patients: Ensuring that the patient's wishes and preferences are respected and communicated to the healthcare team. Identifying Impairments: Recognizing signs of cognitive or emotional impairment and seeking appropriate interventions.
By taking these steps, nurses help safeguard the patient's right to make informed decisions about their care.