Annelie J Sundler1, Frida Hjertberg2, Helena Keri3, Inger K Holmström4,5. 1. Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden. 2. Home healthcare, Marks municipality, Mark, Sweden. 3. Home healthcare, Jönköping municipality, Jönköping, Sweden. 4. School of Health Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden. 5. Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous research points to challenges related to the home healthcare of older persons and to the complexity of communication. Although person-centred care has been advocated widely, there remains a need for in-depth knowledge on how to enable person-centred and supportive communication in the care of older persons. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore attributes of person-centred communication between nurses and older persons being cared for in their home. METHODS: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted. A data set from the COMHOME-study consisting of 77 audio-recorded home healthcare visits between registered nurses and older persons was analysed with a method for qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the attributes of person-centred communication comprise recognising, inviting and involving older persons. To facilitate this form of communication, attentiveness and responsiveness on the part of RNs seemed significant. Person-centred communication was facilitated when the RNs used verbal expressions to emphasise and acknowledge the older persons' views and were attentive to their emotions and expressions. CONCLUSION: The nurses' attentiveness and responsiveness seems important for person-centred communication with older persons. Communication skills are needed to recognise, invite and involve older persons in their care and to support their health and well-being. Implication for practice The importance of communication which facilitate a person-centred approach by nurses should be acknowledged when caring for older persons and included in education and training.
BACKGROUND: Previous research points to challenges related to the home healthcare of older persons and to the complexity of communication. Although person-centred care has been advocated widely, there remains a need for in-depth knowledge on how to enable person-centred and supportive communication in the care of older persons. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore attributes of person-centred communication between nurses and older persons being cared for in their home. METHODS: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted. A data set from the COMHOME-study consisting of 77 audio-recorded home healthcare visits between registered nurses and older persons was analysed with a method for qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the attributes of person-centred communication comprise recognising, inviting and involving older persons. To facilitate this form of communication, attentiveness and responsiveness on the part of RNs seemed significant. Person-centred communication was facilitated when the RNs used verbal expressions to emphasise and acknowledge the older persons' views and were attentive to their emotions and expressions. CONCLUSION: The nurses' attentiveness and responsiveness seems important for person-centred communication with older persons. Communication skills are needed to recognise, invite and involve older persons in their care and to support their health and well-being. Implication for practice The importance of communication which facilitate a person-centred approach by nurses should be acknowledged when caring for older persons and included in education and training.