Abstract
The purpose of this preliminary survey was to determine the attitude of nurses toward decision-making and to discuss the supportive role of nursing regarding decision-making by patients.
The sample size was 52 nurses. Their average age was 37 years old, and their average career as nurses was 11 years. Original questionnaires on decision-making were handed out, and answer sheets were collected individually by mail.
Transfer and discharge from hospitals and operations were the main subjects that nurses found undecidedness in patients and actually asked advice from patients during those decision-making process. These subjects went up to 65% of all matters. In comparison between two groups, one is listing up one item and the other is listing up more than two items for undecidedness in patients, the later group was significantly scored high (p<0.05) in age and career years.
The best characteristic of nurses who were supportive in decision making by patients was being a good listener ; and the most needed support for patients was offering information and knowledge at any time.
We concluded that nurses need to realize their important role in the process of decision making by patients and that they must improve their quality as supporters, since patients hesitate and want advice when confronted with decisions regarding transfer, discharge, and operations.
