Engaging older adults in discharge planning: case studies illuminating approaches adopted by family members that promote relational autonomy

AbstractBackground: Discharge decisions have significant implications for older adults and their involved family members. Evidence of older adult and family members’ engagement in discharge decision-making, however, varies widely. Some recent work shows assumed associations between ageing, diminished participation in healthcare decision-making and increased reliance on family members. Other research suggests that family members adopt strategies to promote older adults’ participation in decision-making. Relational autonomy theory suggests that individuals have differing levels of autonomy and that individuals’ agency can be supported (or marginalized) by others.Purpose: Using three case studies, we examine traditional and relational conceptions of autonomy and explore how relational approaches could inform healthcare practice.Methods: Taking a critical feminist bioethics perspective, we present a secondary analysis of three microethnographic case studies focused on discharge planning with older adults in o...