Using a Reflective Attitude when Meeting Older Chronically Ill Patients Care Needs in Home Care Nursing

Abstract

Background: Current demographic developments have resulted in an increased focus on home care nursing, which can be defined as any form of assistance to a sick person (the patient) in her/his home by family and members of the community in cooperation with a qualified healthcare professional who provides advice and support. Aim: To describe what nurses take into account in order to meet the care needs of older chronically ill patients in home care nursing. Methods: Fourteen nurses with home care service experience employed at four different units in two municipalities in Norway participated in a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim and analysed by qualitative content analysis. Results: Four categories emerged from the analysis: Getting to know the patients, Helping patients to live their own life, Involving next of kin, and Making time for and comforting lonely patients. Conclusion: The nurses reflected on the importance of reading the patients’ faces as they expressed themselves. Following patients over time helped the nurses to understand their personal wishes for life and expectations of care.