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Mediating autonomy: an essential care practice in mental health

Mediación de la Autonomía: un cuidado esencial en salud mental

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

Identify psychiatric nursing practices in the mediation of autonomy for social individuals compromised by their psychiatric history, and analyze psychiatric nursing practices focused on the autonomy of individuals who attend a type III psychosocial care center.

Methods:

Convergent-care research using observation and semi-structured interviews with seven RN nurses from a psychosocial care center and four educational groups in the year 2013. Data analysis used social constructivism as its foundation.

Results:

Autonomy is presented as a care action that enables users to be the protagonists of their own lives, recognizing their limits and possibilities. Even with mental conditions, patients' potentialities must be recognized.

Conclusion:

Nurses invest in autonomy and liberty as foundations of care to be stimulated, mediated, or negotiated.

Implications for practice:

The inclusion of "autonomy mediating" as a care action for patients is emphasized.

Keywords:
Psychiatric Nursing; Community Mental Health Services; Mental Health; Nursing Care; Personal Autonomy

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