Patient's companions as a vulnerable group in Turkish hospitals: A descriptive study

Perceptions of staff and family responsibility to provide hospitalized older adults with basic activities care and emotional support

Many older adults need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and emotional support during hospitalization. Hospital staff is officially responsible for care, but most older adults are accompanied by family members who provide at least some of the support. In this study, we asked physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, and relatives about hospital staff versus family responsibility for providing ADL care and emotional support, and about actual levels of help provision by the hospital staff in Israel.  Staff members (except physicians) tended to see staff as more responsible for ADL care than family, while emotional support was a shared responsibility. Nursing assistants were the most likely to report that staff provided high levels of support, and all participants reported that staff provided more ADL care than emotional support. It is important for family members and hospital staff to have open discussions of their expectations and responsibilities when older adults are hospitalized.

Paediatric oncology patients' definitions of a good physician and good nurse

BACKGROUND

It is stated that the communication and disease experiences of paediatric patients, especially paediatric oncology patients, with healthcare professionals are completely different from those of adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the definitions of a good physician and good nurse provided by elementary school-age oncology patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN

In this qualitative research, data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. The data were evaluated thorough thematic analysis.

PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT

Eighteen children hospitalised due to cancer in paediatric oncology and haematology clinics of a university hospital in Turkey.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Institution's Ethics Committee. The objectives of this study were explained to the participants and families, and written consent was obtained from them. Also, participants were assured that necessary measures would be taken to protect their anonymity and confidentiality.

FINDINGS

The definitions of children were based on five main themes: interpersonal relationships, virtues, professional responsibility, security and individual characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Children conveyed important messages to health professionals. They emphasised that a good physician and good nurse should communicate well, not only with themselves but also with their family. In addition, children were sensitive about health professionals who played with them and actively participated in the treatment by informing them about the disease. Meeting the expectations of children can be possible by improving the communication skills of physicians and nurses and by adding games and activities to the treatment and care plan.