Patients’ perceptions of the meaning of good care in surgical care: a grounded theory study

Abstract

BackgroundPatients in surgical care have reported a fear of being discharged prior to sufficient recovery and a lack of control of their situation. Establishing the patient-nurse relationship is essential in the context of the care. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare has established indicators for good care for comparison, evaluation and improvement of the quality of the health care system. These indicators are knowledge-based, appropriate, safe, effective and equal health care, as well as care within a reasonable time and patient-centred care. Current core competence in nursing education include quality improvement, patient-centred care, teamwork and collaboration, using evidence-based practice, safety and informatics. This study investigates patients’ perceptions of the meaning of good care in inpatient surgical care.MethodsGrounded theory according to Charmaz was chosen as the study design. Interviews were conducted with 13 patients from six surgical wards in the south of Sweden in 2014–2015.ResultsThe results showed that patients in surgical care perceived good care as being safe, as they were vulnerable and anxious. This could be achieved through accessible care, reliable care, caring attitudes and participating in one’s own care. Patient participation was achieved by information and education and the possibility to affect their care.ConclusionPatients need safety to experience good care. Caring attitudes and patient participation can be attained through patient-centred care. Bedside handover can improve patients’ perceptions of accessible care and reliable care and can increase patient participation. Continuously maintaining competence and using evidence-based practice are needed to achieve reliable care.

Evaluation of Service Quality in Nursing and Patient Satisfaction: Perception of Patients and Student Nurses

“…There was a clear association between the level of the quality of nursing care and the level of received knowledge (Leino-Kilpi et al, 2015).Integrative review of patients' satisfaction with the nursing care during hospitalization using 10 studies found that patient satisfaction was influenced by nurses' caring behavior when providing adequate information, and prompt response to patients' needs with technical and professional expertise (Goh and Vehvilainen-julkunen, 2016). Hence patient satisfaction can be improved through bedside handover which facilitates the patients' perceptions of accessible care, reliable care and it can increase patient participation (Mako, Svanang and Bjersa, 2016). Therapeutic touch meant the touching patient's arm or shoulder while providing nursing care or communication.…”

Perceptions and experiences of nutritional care following the overwhelming experience of lower extremity amputation: A qualitative study

“…Future intervention studies should include the patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives on proper care. Mako, Svanäng, & Bjerså () found that the meaning of good surgical care was to keep the patient safe which for people with lower extremity amputation means to limit the risk of further amputations.…”

Health status and most distressing concerns at admission and discharge reported by patients cared for at an internal medical care ward

“…They strived for good relations with the caregivers by being cheerful and accepting the format of the care environment . Studies have shown the importance of a care being relational: to be seen and communicated with; to be given the opportunity to maintain one's identity; and to be included in shared decision‐making in terms of care . Mako et al have recently shown that the core element of good care was the feeling of being safe with an accessible care with the physical presence of caregivers who showed kindness and optimism and gave appropriate information and education.…”

“…Studies have shown the importance of a care being relational: to be seen and communicated with; to be given the opportunity to maintain one's identity; and to be included in shared decision‐making in terms of care . Mako et al have recently shown that the core element of good care was the feeling of being safe with an accessible care with the physical presence of caregivers who showed kindness and optimism and gave appropriate information and education. Similar results were also concluded in the review where feeling safe in an intensive care unit was related to communication, information, psychosocial support and support in regaining control .…”