From a medical model to a social model of autonomy for people with cystic fibrosis. A sociological study of the views of professional and associative stakeholders

Patient autonomy is an equivocal notion that refers to several intertwined figures. What is expected of young cystic fibrosis patients when speaking to actors (professionals and associations) involved with them ? In this sociological contribution, we show the limits of a medical model of autonomy that does not allow us to think about a whole series of micro-adjustments to the practices of people with cystic fibrosis. The analysis is based on publications by national associations fighting against cystic fibrosis, and on semi-structured interviews with professionals working with people living with this disease. It shows that autonomy is not only thought of by the professionals who support them in terms of an individual management model centered on the patient’s medical skills and personal resources, but also as the result of environmental factors. It reveals an innovative characteristic of autonomy in the field of health care, largely supported by the specialized and reinforced medical support of coordinating nurses. This support allows the development of a detailed clinical knowledge of the situations experienced by their patients.