Establishing a Collaborative Nurse‐Patient Relationship: A Distinct Focus of Nursing Action in Primary Care

Abstract

A significant percentage of primary care encounters extend beyond the boundaries of medicine and demand the experitse of the nurse. An examination of existing research on the role of the nurse in primary care suggests that researchers have not been successful in illuminating the distinct contribution of the nurse. In order to bridge this gap, the domain of nursing can be conceptualized as a process of social interaction (Kasch, 1984), which suggests that one of the distinct contributions of the nurse may lie in the interpersonal domain; specifically, the possession of interpersonal competencies central to accomplishing nursing and medical goals in primary care. One central facet of interpersonal competence is relational competence—the ability to establish a collaborative provider‐patient relationship. The purpose of this essay is to ground theoretically the concept of collaboration in order to provide a starting point for research aimed at defining the contribution of the nurse in primary care.

Exploring the actual and potential role of the primary care nurse in the prevention of cancer: a mixed methods study

“…Davies (1995) suggested the nurses' traditional values of a holistic approach to care is critical. Kasch (1986) highlighted these interpersonal competencies and the ability to establish 'relational competence'. Charles-Jones et al (2003) explained that the nurse's professional identity, framed in terms of communication and compassion, is the foundation of effective delivery of care.…”

Patient-Nurse Collaboration in Nursing Practice: A Korean Study

“…Patient-nurse collaboration is advocated (Kim, 1983;Weiss, 1985;Kasch, 1986) while it is questioned (Waterworth & Luker, 1990). Waterworth and Luker (1990) questioned the validity of the assumption that all patients desired to be collaborators in making decisions concerning their care.…”

Participation of expectant mothers in decision making in maternity care: results of a population‐based survey

“…(1992 ) call this working pattern an attunement to a mutual stock of knowledge at hand. Thirdly, the interaction should enhance the self‐esteem and self‐determination of the client ( Kasch 1986) and never threaten the identity of the participant ( Ashworth et al . 1992 ).…”