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Chapter 2: Literature Review
Following the identification of the attributes, antecedents, consequences and
empirical referents (Appendix 2), step six requires the researcher to identify concepts
that are related to the concept of interest. This literature review identified these as;
freedom, independence, power, self-government and self-determination.Step 7
requires the model case for the concept to be identified.
The identification of the model case (Appendix 3) enables the concept to be
measured for its existence in the real world. A model case is used to represent the
best understanding of the concept at the time of analysis. It should include all of the
defining attributes and present an indisputable and unequivocal illustration of the
concept in the context of which it is being examined (Rodgers, 1989).
Having worked through this concept analysis framework utilising the available
literature, the following definition for autonomy for older people in residential care
settings was produced:
An older person living in residential care chooses and negotiates
how they would like to spend their day. Their capacity and dignity
is encouraged and maintained. Staff recognise that the past and
present lives of all residents, particularly those with cognitive
impairment, may shape their desires and decisions. The resident
feels a sense of belonging in the homely, open and flexible unit.
Family feel included and useful.
The concept analysis from the literature review enabled clarification of the concept
of resident autonomy, which was initially vague and inadequately defined (Atkins,
2006; 1975; Doyal and Gough, 1991; Feinberg, 1989; Kant, 1989; Meyers, 1989;
Mill, 1975).
The next chapter will discuss the research framework, which includes the
methodological approach and the data collection method adopted for this research
study.