What is an autonomy supportive environment in geriatric care units? Focus group interviews with healthcare professionals.

Objectives: Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the aim of the study was to define an autonomy supportive environment through the perceptions of different healthcare professionals in three geriatric care units within French public and private hospitals.

Study Design: Four focus groups were conducted with healthcare professionals. Each focus group was videotaped and audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Methods: An inductive approach was used, and data analysis was carried out using NVivo 10 software for Mac-QSR International.

Results: Three themes were highlighted (a) building a relationship of trust with older people; (b) encouraging them to express themselves and (c) promoting progress.

Conclusion: The present study provides some information and a reflection for healthcare professionals who might be interested in using a more autonomy-supportive motivating style in their practice.