Patient empowerment : does it still occur in the ICU?

The theoretical underpinnings of patient empowerment were developed through the work of educators and community psychologists, working primarily with the socially disadvantaged. Empowerment is seen as a philosophy based upon the belief of the inherent worth and creative potential of each individual. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore whether this creative potential associated with patient choice that encapsulates empowerment is applicable to the Intensive Care Unit.