Nurses' Perceptions of Patient Participation in the Postanesthesia Care UnitdA Qualitative Focus Group Study

Purpose: To explore postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses' experiences and perception of patient participation during PACU care. Design: Qualitative focus group study based on a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Methods: We conducted three focus group interviews with 18 nurses from three different PACUs. Themes were created based on interpretive theory inspired by Ricoeur. Findings: Four themes and 11 subthemes were found. Patients' clinical condition and situation, time management, ethical aspects, and the patient-nurse relationship all had a high impact on postanesthesia nursing practice and conditions for involving patients. Conclusions: PACU nurses want patients to participate in their own treatment and care in the PACU; however, nurses perceive patient participation differently. Nurses experience challenges including patients' impaired autonomy, absence of a holistic approach, and lack of time and resources. Nurses highlight that these barriers should not become an excuse for noninvolvement. (c) 2021 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.