Exploring the meaning of care among lived experiences of patients with blindness: an interpretive phenomenological study^†

Abstract

Objective To explore the meaning of care experienced by people with blindness in hospitals. Methods Interpretive phenomenology along with the 6-step method of van Manen was used to conduct the study. Using purposeful sampling, 15 people with legal blindness were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to isolate the meaning of care. Results Five themes emerged: (a) nurses in the eyes of patients with blindness; (b) negligence in the caring moments; (c) being cared for in ambiguity; (d) Uncoordinated care; and (e) Psychological discomfort. These sub-themes were condensed into an overarching theme titled as “marginalized patients inside the stereotypical healthcare system.” Conclusions Lived experiences of patients with blindness revealed that hospitals provide stereotypic or inappropriate care for this minority group in society. Health professionals particularly nurses should be skilled to provide person-centered and coordinated care for patients with blindness.