MODIFYING AUTONOMY - A CONCEPT GROUNDED IN NURSES EXPERIENCES OF MORAL DECISION-MAKING IN PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE

Fourteen experienced psychiatric nurses participated in a pilot study aimed at describing the experiential aspect of making decisions for th e patient. In-depth interviews focused on conflicts, were transcribed, coded, and categorized according to the Grounded Theory method. The t heoretical construct, 'modifying autonomy' and its dimensions, such as being aware of the patient's vulnerability, caring for and caring abo ut the patient, were identified. The findings in this study make clear the need for further research into the experiential aspect of ethical decision-making in psychiatric practice.