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Attributes of person‐centred communication: A qualitative exploration of communication with older persons in home health care
Author(s) -
Sundler Annelie J,
Hjertberg Frida,
Keri Helena,
Holmström Inger K
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of older people nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.707
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1748-3743
pISSN - 1748-3735
DOI - 10.1111/opn.12284
Subject(s) - qualitative research , nursing , psychology , health care , gerontological nursing , medicine , gerontology , sociology , social science , economics , economic growth
Background Previous research points to challenges related to the home healthcare of older persons and to the complexity of communication. Although person‐centred care has been advocated widely, there remains a need for in‐depth knowledge on how to enable person‐centred and supportive communication in the care of older persons. Aim The aim of this study was to explore attributes of person‐centred communication between nurses and older persons being cared for in their home. Methods A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted. A data set from the COMHOME‐study consisting of 77 audio‐recorded home healthcare visits between registered nurses and older persons was analysed with a method for qualitative thematic analysis. Results The findings indicate that the attributes of person‐centred communication comprise recognising, inviting and involving older persons. To facilitate this form of communication, attentiveness and responsiveness on the part of RNs seemed significant. Person‐centred communication was facilitated when the RNs used verbal expressions to emphasise and acknowledge the older persons’ views and were attentive to their emotions and expressions. Conclusion The nurses’ attentiveness and responsiveness seems important for person‐centred communication with older persons. Communication skills are needed to recognise, invite and involve older persons in their care and to support their health and well‐being. Implication for practice The importance of communication which facilitate a person‐centred approach by nurses should be acknowledged when caring for older persons and included in education and training.