Recuperation Support Processes by Clinical Nurses to Promote Behavior Change in Hospitalized Patients With Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to clarify the process of how clinical nurses’ recuperation support promotes behavior change in hospitalized patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten clinical nurses who provided kidney disease guidance to hospitalized patients, and the results were analyzed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach (M-GTA).

Results: In recuperation support, the clinical nurse works with the patient to find recuperation behaviors in which the patient is willing to engage. In this process, the nurse begins by “perceiving the patient’s recuperation experiences and wishes.” This leads to the nurse “getting approved by the patient,” “taking time to confirm the patient’s words (thoughts) and explain things to the patient,” and “building rapport and working with the patient to find suitable recuperation behaviors for the patient,” which promote the patient’s behavior change. When the nurse listens to the patient’s story, actions that may suppress behavior change, such as the nurse “being hesitant” and “giving one-sided guidance,” are still observed. However, continuous recuperation support that promotes behavior change can be accomplished by “supporting the patient as a team.”

Conclusion: This study suggests that “getting approved by the patient” by “perceiving the patient’s recuperation experiences and wishes” is important in helping the nurse provide recuperation support that promotes behavior change in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease.