Patient Advocacy in Nursing Practice: a Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction
Several authors define advocating the person as a central concept in nursing practice, whose main objective is to promote the person's autonomy, preserving their beliefs and values in the decision-making process, ensuring the quality of care in a therapeutic relationship.1

Objective
To map the concept of advocating for the person in nursing practice.

Methods
Scoping review, based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, following the PCC version (Population; Concept; Context), using the databases: CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Google Schoolar. Inclusion criteria were English, Portuguese and Spanish and articles published between January 2019 and April 2024. The PRISMA-ScR EQUATOR checklist was followed.

Results
A total of 492 articles were identified, of which 15 were included in the review. The articles selected cover studies carried out in various countries and include both qualitative and quantitative designs. Regarding the attributes of advocating for the person, some studies emphasize that it involves promoting safety, protection and ensuring quality care.2-3 The antecedents included facilitating factors, such as professional motivation, interprofessional collaboration, as well as hindering factors, such as ineffective communication,2-3among others. The consequences for individuals included satisfaction, involving a shared decision-making process; for nurses, gratitude and happiness were highlighted 2-3, among others.

Conclusion
Advocating for the person is an indispensable practice that contributes significantly to improving the quality and safety of healthcare. The attributes, antecedents and consequences identified in the studies provide a basis for understanding its importance and how it can be sustained in practice. However, it is crucial to address the challenges and overcome the barriers to ensure that advocacy is effective in promoting people's autonomy and achieving health gains.