Nurses' viewpoints regarding decisions to discontinue observation of excretion behaviors of elderly patients after femoral fracture

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to clarify viewpoints of nurses on the timing of decisions to cease observation of bowel movement or urination of elderly patients who have undergone surgery after femoral fracture. Qualitative and descriptive analyses were performed by conducting focus group interviews of 14 proficient nurses with over 3 years of experience in providing nursing care for elderly patients having undergone surgery for femoral fracture, in terms of the nurses' points of view in their determination to end their observation. The results noted 15 subcategories, which were summarized into 6 categories: "Having sufficient reserves of vital power", "Having independence of spirit", "Having ability to communicate with nurses", "Having ability to control their own pace", "Having increased alertness", and "Having ability to perform flexible motions". These viewpoints were based on the comprehensive understanding of a patient's condition, including overall daily life care. We consider that these judgment-based points of view offer a guideline for nurses, particularly for recently-graduated or less-experienced nurses, in the decision-making process for determining when to discontinue observation of excretion behaviors of elderly patients after undergoing surgery for femoral fracture.