Business Management Processes to Maintain and Improve Visiting Nurse Stations: Success Stories from Managers

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the issues and business management processes undergone by managers who maintained and improved visiting nurse stations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven managers. The data were analyzed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach. The results showed the following issues: 1) acquiring users, 2) finding and training staff, 3) raising the quality of care, and 4) others. They expressed their difficulties in opening the stations and maintaining operations; however, they considered this to be the value of finding and accepting difficulties as a manager. Strengthening community-based coordination and using resources efficiently were seen as challenges to both the nurses and the management, which were believed to be beneficial in the long-term in terms of improving management in general and other rewards. We were also concerned about the managers’ expectations of the stations after their retirement. In general, we found that the managers valued community infrastructure and used local resources efficiently to allow holistic growth with their staff and the community.