Nursing Practice among Expert Nurses in Supporting Home Care: Focus on Collaboration

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to clarify the specific components of nursing practice performed by experienced nurses to establish collaboration for home care support.

Methods: A focus group interview was conducted with 6 experienced nurses in October 2016. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed by an inductive approach.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 46.0 years old and the mean length of nursing experience was 16.2 years. Five categories were extracted: "patient-centered decision-making support," "representing the needs and wishes of patients and family members," "organizing care team members by anticipating required actions," "meeting to discuss with the care team members in person," and "understanding the care team members' personalities and determining the appropriate care approach for each patient."

Conclusion: Experienced nurses consider the future life of both the patients and their family members based on their needs and wishes, and establish a collaborative care team by anticipating the required actions. They also build a connection with each team member by recognizing and understanding each member's personality.