1
|
Harnett T, Möllergren G, Jönson H. The use of home care as relational work: outlines for a research programme. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2371538. [PMID: 38913083 PMCID: PMC11198145 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2371538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Care has been theorized as a relational practice, but the research has focused on providers rather than users. Older care users have been cast in a passive role, and their relational activities to help with the provision of their care or to support those who provide it are underexplored. The purpose of this study is to develop knowledge about home care use as a form of relational 'work'. METHODS The data for the study consists of 34 qualitative interviews with home care users in Sweden and 15 observations of care provision. The data has been coded using thematic analysis. RESULTS The analysis identifies two overlapping forms of relational work done by care users in the home care context: care-centred work, where care users work to facilitate care situations that were positive for staff and for the provision of care; and person-centred work, where care users work to foster personal relations by focusing on care staff as unique individuals. CONCLUSIONS The article proposes a research programme on relational work by care users, prompted by the finding that such efforts seem central for the understanding of eldercare in a variety of contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tove Harnett
- School of Social Work, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Håkan Jönson
- School of Social Work, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Devkota R, Cummings G, Hunter KF, Maxwell C, Shrestha S, Dennett L, Hoben M. Factors influencing emotional support of older adults living in the community: a scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 2023; 12:186. [PMID: 37794514 PMCID: PMC10548654 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional support is key to improve older adults' subjective health, and psychological, social and emotional well-being. However, many older adults living in the community lack emotional support, increasing the risk for loneliness, depression, anxiety, potentially avoidable healthcare use and costs, and premature death. Multiple intersecting factors may influence emotional support of older adults in the community, but these are poorly understood. Studies have focused on specific populations (e.g., older adults with depression, cancer). Although relevant, these studies may not capture modifiable factors for the wider and more diverse population of older adults living in the community. Our scoping review will address these important gaps. We will identify and synthesize the evidence on factors that influence emotional support of older adults in the community. METHODS We will use the Johanna Briggs Institute updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews to guide our review process. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA Psycinfo, CINAHL, Dissertations and Theses Global, and Scopus from inception. We will include studies published in English, examining factors influencing emotional support of older adults residing in community, without restrictions on the study design or year of publication. We will also include gray literature (dissertations and reports). Two independent reviewers will conduct title, abstract, and full-text screening, as well as risk of bias assessment, using validated quality appraisal tools based on study designs. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus. The primary reviewer will extract the data from all studies, and the second reviewer will check the extractions of all the studies. We will use descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis for analysis. Family/friend caregivers and older adults involved as an advisory group will help with explaining the findings in terms of whether associations observed reflect their experiences and reality. We will analyze the discussion and generate themes, and summarize in a narrative form. DISCUSSION This scoping review may identify factors that could be modified or mitigated to improve emotional support provision for older adults residing in community. The knowledge will inform the development of tailored interventions directed to older adults and their caregivers. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4TAEB (associated project link: osf.io/6y48t).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Devkota
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Greta Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kathleen F Hunter
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Colleen Maxwell
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Shovana Shrestha
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Liz Dennett
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- School of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Supremo A, Bacason S, Abegonia AIC, Bacason L. Social Support Attainment of Older Adults Living in a Flood-Prone Community. JURNAL NERS 2020. [DOI: 10.20473/jn.v15i2.22524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A flood, a catastrophic phenomenon often experienced by many, brings destruction to property and livelihood. This kind of event renders access to basic services difficult. During times of floods, older adults need additional social support, from family, friends, relatives, or significant others. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of attainment of social support of older adults during periods of floods and periods without floods.Methods: A descriptive quantitative research design was used. Purposive sampling was utilized to reach the population sample of 126 elderly respondents. They were interviewed face-to-face in their homes using a modified questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and mean scores were used.Results: 126 older adults participated in the research study. Most older adults strongly agreed that they received social support during periods of floods (with a mean score of 4.40) and without floods (with a mean score of 4.39).Discussion: Social support was extended to older adults both during times of floods and without floods. The support they received from people who were special to them maintained their health and well-being.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sundling V, Hafskjold L, Eklund JH, Holmström IK, Höglander J, Sundler AJ, van Dulmen S, Eide H. Emotional communication in home care: A comparison between Norway and Sweden. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:1546-1553. [PMID: 32173215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the free movement of workers across countries, knowledge regarding communication differences between countries is imperative. In this study, we explored and compared the supportive responses of nursing staff to older persons' emotions in home care in Norway and Sweden. METHODS The study had an observational, cross-sectional, comparative design, which included 383 audio-recorded home-care visits. Communication was coded using Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences. Worries and responses were categorised with regard to reference, communicative function and level of person-centredness. Standard statistical tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS The Swedish nursing staff provided space for further disclosure of worry more frequently than the Norwegian nursing staff (75.0 % versus 60.2 %, χ2 = 20.758, p < 0.01). In all, 65 % of the responses were supportive. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that highly person-centred responses were independently associated with worries phrasing an emotion, OR (95 % CI) 3.282 (1.524-7.067). CONCLUSION The level of person-centredness was associated with the way in which older persons expressed their distress. The Swedish nursing staff provided opportunities for further disclosure of worries more frequently than the Norwegian nursing staff. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Findings of intercultural differences should be incorporated into the training of nursing staff.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke Sundling
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway; National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway; Science Centre Health and Technology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway.
| | - Linda Hafskjold
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway; Science Centre Health and Technology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway
| | | | - Inger K Holmström
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Höglander
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Annelie J Sundler
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Sweden
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Science Centre Health and Technology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway; NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hilde Eide
- Science Centre Health and Technology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Höglander J, Sundler AJ, Spreeuwenberg P, Holmström IK, Eide H, van Dulmen S, Eklund JH. Emotional communication with older people: A cross-sectional study of home care. Nurs Health Sci 2019; 21:382-389. [PMID: 30957364 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the influence of characteristics of nurses and older people on emotional communication in home care settings. A generalized, linear, mixed model was used to analyze 188 audio-recorded home care visits coded with Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences. The results showed that most emotional distress was expressed by older females or with female nurses. The elicitation of an expression of emotional distress was influenced by the nurses' native language and profession. Older women aged 65-84 years were given the most space for emotional expression. We found that emotional communication was primarily influenced by sex for nurses and older people, with an impact on the frequency of expressions of and responses to emotional distress. Expressions of emotional distress by older males were less common and could risk being missed in communication. The results have implications for students' and health professionals' education in increasing their knowledge of and attentiveness to the impacts of their and others' characteristics and stereotypes on emotional communication with older people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Höglander
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Annelie J Sundler
- Department of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Peter Spreeuwenberg
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inger K Holmström
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hilde Eide
- Science Centre Health and Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Science Centre Health and Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway.,Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jakob H Eklund
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sundström M, Edberg AK, Rämgård M, Blomqvist K. Encountering existential loneliness among older people: perspectives of health care professionals. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2018; 13:1474673. [PMID: 29869590 PMCID: PMC5990949 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2018.1474673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Existential loneliness is part of being human that is little understood in health care, but, to provide good care to their older patients, professionals need to be able to meet their existential concerns. The aim of this study was to explore health care professionals' experiences of their encounters with older people they perceive to experience existential loneliness. METHOD We conducted 11 focus groups with 61 health professionals working in home care, nursing home care, palliative care, primary care, hospital care, or pre-hospital care. Our deductive-inductive analytical approach used a theoretical framework based on the work of Emmy van Deurzen in the deductive phase and an interpretative approach in the inductive phase. RESULTS The results show that professionals perceived existential loneliness to appear in various forms associated with barriers in their encounters, such as the older people's bodily limitations, demands and needs perceived as insatiable, personal shield of privacy, or fear and difficulty in encountering existential issues. CONCLUSION Encountering existential loneliness affected the professionals and their feelings in various ways, but they generally found the experience both challenging and meaningful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Sundström
- Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, SWEDEN
- Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, SWEDEN
| | - Anna-Karin Edberg
- Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, SWEDEN
| | | | - Kerstin Blomqvist
- Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, SWEDEN
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cavero V, Diez-Canseco F, Toyama M, Flórez Salcedo G, Ipince A, Araya R, Miranda JJ. Provision of mental health care within primary care in Peru: A qualitative study exploring the perspectives of psychologists, primary health care providers, and patients. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:9. [PMID: 29623297 PMCID: PMC5861510 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13746.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to understand the offer of mental health care at the primary care level, collecting the views of psychologists, primary health care providers (PHCPs), and patients, with a focus on health services in which patients attend regularly and who present a higher prevalence of mental disorders. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in antenatal care, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and chronic diseases services from six primary health care centers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with psychologists, PHCPs, and patients working in or attending the selected facilities. Results: A total of 4 psychologists, 22 PHCPs, and 37 patients were interviewed. A high perceived need for mental health care was noted. PHCPs acknowledged the emotional impact physical health conditions have on their patients and mentioned that referral to psychologists was reserved only for serious problems. Their approach to emotional problems was providing emotional support (includes listening, talk about their patients' feelings, provide advice). PHCPs identified system-level barriers about the specialized mental health care, including a shortage of psychologists and an overwhelming demand, which results in brief consultations and lack in continuity of care. Psychologists focus their work on individual consultations; however, consultations were brief, did not follow a standardized model of care, and most patients attend only once. Psychologists also mentioned the lack of collaborative work among other healthcare providers. Despite these limitations, interviewed patients declared that they were willing to seek specialized care if advised and considered the psychologist's care provided as helpful; however, they recognized the stigmatization related to seeking mental health care. Conclusions: There is a perceived need of mental health care for primary care patients. To attend these needs, PHCPs provide emotional support and refer to psychology the most severe cases, while psychologists provide one-to-one consultations. Significant limitations in the care provided are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Cavero
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Francisco Diez-Canseco
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Mauricio Toyama
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Gustavo Flórez Salcedo
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Alessandra Ipince
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Ricardo Araya
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - J. Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cavero V, Diez-Canseco F, Toyama M, Flórez Salcedo G, Ipince A, Araya R, Miranda JJ. Provision of mental health care within primary care in Peru: A qualitative study exploring the perspectives of psychologists, primary health care providers, and patients. Wellcome Open Res 2018. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13746.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to understand the offer of mental health care at the primary care level, collecting the views of psychologists, primary health care providers (PHCPs), and patients, with a focus on health services in which patients attend regularly and who present a higher prevalence of mental disorders. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in antenatal care, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and chronic diseases services from six primary health care centers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with psychologists, PHCPs, and patients working in or attending the selected facilities. Results: A total of 4 psychologists, 22 PHCPs, and 37 patients were interviewed. A high perceived need for mental health care was noted. PHCPs acknowledged the emotional impact physical health conditions have on their patients and mentioned that referral to psychologists was reserved only for serious problems. Their approach to emotional problems was providing emotional support (includes listening, talk about their patients’ feelings, provide advice). PHCPs identified system-level barriers about the specialized mental health care, including a shortage of psychologists and an overwhelming demand, which results in brief consultations and lack in continuity of care. Psychologists focus their work on individual consultations; however, consultations were brief, did not follow a standardized model of care, and most patients attend only once. Psychologists also mentioned the lack of collaborative work among other healthcare providers. Despite these limitations, interviewed patients declared that they were willing to seek specialized care if advised and considered the psychologist's care provided as helpful; however, they recognized the stigmatization related to seeking mental health care. Conclusions: There is a perceived need of mental health care for primary care patients. To attend these needs, PHCPs provide emotional support and refer to psychology the most severe cases, while psychologists provide one-to-one consultations. Significant limitations in the care provided are discussed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Höglander J, Eklund JH, Eide H, Holmström IK, Sundler AJ. Registered Nurses' and nurse assistants' responses to older persons' expressions of emotional needs in home care. J Adv Nurs 2017; 73:2923-2932. [PMID: 28586520 DOI: 10.1111/jan.13356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to explore nurse assistants' and Registered Nurses' responses to older persons' expressions of emotional needs during home care visits. BACKGROUND Communication is a central aspect of care. Older persons might express different emotions and needs during home care visits and such expressions can be challenging to respond to. Little is known about communication in home care or nursing staff responses to older persons' expressed emotional needs. DESIGN Descriptive, cross-sectional design on nursing staff responses to older persons' negative emotions in home care. METHODS Collected data consisted of audio recordings of home care visits between older persons and nursing staff. Data were collected between August 2014-November 2015. The nursing staff responses to older persons' negative emotions in the communication were analysed with the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES). RESULTS The nursing staff most often give non-explicit responses, providing space for further disclosure of older persons' expressed negative emotions. Such responses were more frequent if the nursing staff had elicited the older persons' expressions of a negative emotion than if such expressions were elicited by the older persons themselves. Most frequent types of responses were backchannel, active invitation or information advice. CONCLUSION The nursing staff responses were mainly non-explicit responses providing space for older persons to tell more about their experiences. Such responses can be discussed in terms of person-centred communication and is important for the comfort of emotional concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Höglander
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | | | - Hilde Eide
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Inger K Holmström
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Annelie J Sundler
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Norell Pejner M, Ziegert K, Kihlgren A. Older patients in Sweden and their experience of the emotional support received from the registered nurse--a grounded theory study. Aging Ment Health 2015; 19:79-85. [PMID: 24963781 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2014.917605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study intends to explore older patients' experiences of the emotional support received from registered nurses (RNs). We also aimed to gain deeper knowledge about the process of how getting the support they need is managed by the patient. METHODS The study was conducted using the grounded theory method. Data were collected by interviewing 18 patients between 80 and 96 years old. RESULTS Reasons why older patients experienced the emotional support received from the RN are reflected in the categories 'Meets my needs when I am irresolute', 'Meets my needs when I am vulnerable' and 'Meets my needs when I am in need of sympathy'. Reasons to the emotional support resulted in that patients experienced 'A sense of being able to hand over', which is therefore the core category of this study. CONCLUSION Older patients' experiences of emotional support are about obtaining relief. Patients were active participants and had strategies for which they wanted to share their emotions with the RN. In order to develop participatory care for older patients, we need more knowledge about how emotional support can be used as a nursing intervention.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gustafsson LK, Mattsson K, Dubbelman K, Snöljung Å. Aspects of nursing with evidence-base when nursing frail older adults: a phenomenographic analysis of interviews with nurses in municipal care. Scand J Caring Sci 2014; 28:793-801. [DOI: 10.1111/scs.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karin Mattsson
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare; Mälardalen University; Eskilstuna Sweden
| | - Kerstin Dubbelman
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare; Mälardalen University; Västerås Sweden
| | - Åsa Snöljung
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare; Mälardalen University; Västerås Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pejner MN, Ziegert K, Kihlgren A. Trying to cope with everyday life--emotional support in municipal elderly care setting. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2012; 7:1-7. [PMID: 23237630 PMCID: PMC3522874 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v7i0.19613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotional support is considered to be important to older patients because it is a contributing factor to experiencing good health and it has been shown that it can prevent depression after a hip fracture. Opinions differ on whether emotional support falls within the field of nursing, and studies also show that nurses in an elderly home care setting fail when it comes to giving emotional support. The aim of this study was to explore reasons for registered nurses to give emotional support to older patients in a municipal home care setting. The study was conducted using Grounded Theory. Data collection was carried out through interviews with 16 registered nurses. The inclusion criteria were emotional support given to patients aged 80 years and above living in ordinary or sheltered housing and who were in need of help from both the home help service and registered nurses. The results show that the main concern of emotional support was “Trying to relieve the patient from their emotions so they are able to cope with everyday life.” This core category illustrates how registered nurses tried to support the patients’ own strength, so that they were able to move forward. Registered nurses consider that they could support the patients because they give them access to, or could create access to, their emotions, but there were also times when they felt helplessness and as a result, consciously opted out. The results also indicate that registered nurses were keen to give emotional support. To develop patient-centered elderly care, more knowledge of emotional support and the elderly's need for this support is required.
Collapse
|