Self-determination: analysis of the concept and implications for research in palliative care.

This paper analyzes the evolution and the definition, current use, and application of the concept of self-determination in palliative care research and practice. Undertaken as a foundation for the development of a palliative care research program, the analysis considers selected historical, bioethical, legal, clinical, and relevant medical and nursing health-care literature on adults with chronic and terminal illness. Based on a synthesis of the literature, a conceptual definition is proposed and ways of integrating the concept of self-determination into palliative care intervention research are identified.