Perspective of Doctors and Nurses on the Principle of Extended Autonomy in Konya, Turkey

Abstract

Despite the support with legislation in Turkey regarding extended autonomy and advance directive, there is no clear provision and sufficient practice on the subject. Turkish doctors and nurses are generally unfamiliar with the conception of extended autonomy or advance directive, which raises dilemmas in terms of life-support choice, and this situation can even affect clinical decision-making processes. This study investigated the awareness level about extended autonomy and advance directive in Turkey and assessed doctors and nurses’ attitudes toward patient autonomy. This was a quantitative descriptive study. It was found that the 46.8% of the respondents supported the principle of extended autonomy in health service delivery. However, 53.8% of the respondents had poor knowledge regarding advance directive. Majority (77.9%) of the respondents indicated that the legislative arrangements should be made concerning the principle of extended autonomy and the advance directive, which is its field of application.