Factors of endangering and violation of autonomy in residential nursing homes: results of ascoping review

Abstract

Respecting autonomy is one of the guiding principles of medical and nursing ethics. Nursing home residents represent aparticularly relevant target group whose autonomy can be endangered or violated. The study aimed to identify factors that endanger or violate the nursing home residents' autonomy and to determine specific life situations and contexts in which these factors are located. Ascoping review was carried out according to the Joanna Briggs Institute-method. Empirical results from journal articles from the publication period 2000-2021 were included. The articles were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Atotal of 75articles were finally included in the review. Identified factors of the endangerment and violation of autonomy are assigned to topic areas located at the level of actors, (care) relationships and structures. Factors that can violate or endanger the residents' autonomy were found in the entire everyday life of the residents. The localization of the identified endangerments/violations on various actor and structural levels indicates the need for comprehensive preservation and promotion of residents' autonomy in nursing homes.