Nurses' Perceptions of Patient Participation in the Postanesthesia Care Unit—A 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.