Reza Masoudi1, HeidarAli Abedi, Parvin Abedi, Seyed Ehsan Mohammadianinejad. 1. 1PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran 2PhD, Isfahan, PhD in Nursing, Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran 3PhD, Assistant Professor, Nursing and Midwifery School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran 4PhD, Assistant Professor, Member of Faculty, Medicine School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Continuity in multiple sclerosis (MS) care has been cited as a critical feature of this care and necessary to improve medical outcomes. PURPOSE: This exploratory and descriptive research attempts to identify continuity of care from the experience and perspective of patients with MS at two teaching hospitals and the MS Society in Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: In this study, 23 patients with MS were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected through in-depth and unstructured interviews and were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the analysis: human-oriented attention, the necessity of purposeful planning, importance of responsibility, and caring with empathetic sensing. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Because of the importance of professional caring practice to continuity of care for patients with MS, we suggest that healthcare providers should include these aspects in care planning.
BACKGROUND: Continuity in multiple sclerosis (MS) care has been cited as a critical feature of this care and necessary to improve medical outcomes. PURPOSE: This exploratory and descriptive research attempts to identify continuity of care from the experience and perspective of patients with MS at two teaching hospitals and the MS Society in Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: In this study, 23 patients with MS were selected through purposeful sampling. Data were collected through in-depth and unstructured interviews and were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the analysis: human-oriented attention, the necessity of purposeful planning, importance of responsibility, and caring with empathetic sensing. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Because of the importance of professional caring practice to continuity of care for patients with MS, we suggest that healthcare providers should include these aspects in care planning.