2019 Volume 42 Issue 2 Pages 2_195-2_210
Purpose: To verify the usefulness of remote nursing support by certified nurses in hospitals that complements the care of visiting nurses.
Method: A self-administered mail questionnaire survey of 500 visiting nurse stations was conducted, after which remote nursing support for high support need areas was provided by certified nurses specializing in wound, ostomy and continence nursing (WOCN). Individual interviews with 4 visiting nurses and a focus group interview with 3 WOCN nurses were then evaluated to verify the usefulness of this support.
Results: The questionnaire survey (402 people) showed that 95.3% of visiting nurses had experienced difficulties in practical situations and desired support from highly specialized nurses. The narratives of visiting and WOCN nurses revealed that remote nursing support not only complemented the knowledge and skill of visiting nurses but also led to feelings of relief and confidence, and created a deep sense of responsibility in WOCN nurses. As a result, WOCN nurses, visiting nurses, users and families functioned as cooperating teams.
Conclusion: Remote nursing support by highly specialized (WOCN) nurses is useful in improving the quality of visiting nursing.