Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2026, 17(3):2479-2486 | DOI: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0015

Students’ and lecturers’ perspectives on supporting client autonomy: a focus group study on nine international nursing curricula

Marjolein Mathilda Catharina Johanna Knibbeler1,2, Stan Vluggen1,2, Henricus Johannes Leonardus van Rossum1,2, Sandra Maria Gabriella Zwakhalen1,2, Petra Mathilda Gerardus Erkens2
1 Research Centre Community Care, Academy of Nursing, Faculty of Healthcare, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands
2 Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Aim: This study aimed to explore how students and lecturers from nine international nursing programs perceive the learning and teaching of supporting clients’ autonomy in daily living within nursing curricula.

Design: An exploratory qualitative design was used.

Methods: Two focus groups were conducted during the 2023 European Network of Nursing in Higher Education Intensive Program in Estonia, involving 41 students and lecturers from nine international nursing programs. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Three themes were identified: (1) defining autonomy and autonomy support; (2) presence of autonomy-supportive behavior within curricula; and (3) desirable situation of addressing autonomy in education. The findings revealed inconsistencies between teaching and practice, with students observing variable application by lecturers and supervisors. Both students and lecturers emphasized reflection, critical thinking, and closer collaboration to bridge theory-practice gaps and foster a shared, consistent approach.

Conclusion: The findings indicate variation in how autonomy support is addressed within participating nursing programs. Greater alignment between theoretical teaching and clinical practice, as well as increased collaboration between educational and practice settings, may strengthen students’ ability to support clients’ autonomy in daily care.

Keywords: autonomy support, curricula, nursing education, nursing students, teaching and learning strategies

Received: September 10, 2025; Revised: June 1, 2026; Accepted: June 1, 2026; Published: September 6, 2026  Show citation

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Catharina Johanna Knibbeler MM, Vluggen S, van Rossum HJL, Zwakhalen SMG, Gerardus Erkens PM. Students’ and lecturers’ perspectives on supporting client autonomy: a focus group study on nine international nursing curricula. Central European Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2026;17(3):2479-2486. doi: 10.15452/cejnm.2026.17.0015.
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