IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PATIENT SELF-DETERMINATION ACT - A SURVEY OF NEBRASKA HOSPITALS

The purpose of this survey of Nebraska hospitals (N = 79) was to descr ibe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Patient Self-D etermination Act (PSDA) and to explore the role of the nurse in these processes. Results indicate nurses were very involved in the planning phase but rarely in the implementing phase. Few evaluation strategies were utilized and only some respondents identified problematic issues related to the implementation of the PSDA. Clinical implications for i ssues related to the PSDA are discussed and framed within the American Nurses' Association Position Statement on the PSDA (1991). Future stu dies are suggested, especially related to evaluation of PSDA implement ation. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.