Prerequisites for person-centered care – As described by community care nurses

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences of person-centered care within an integrated care chain. Method: The study included four data sets: Two focus group interviews with a total of 22 nurses; an open questionnaire answered by 17 nurses; and individual follow-up interviews with 4 volunteers from among the 17 nurses. In total, 39 informants were included in this study. Qualitative content analysis was carried out to identify the latent content of the focus group and interview data, and the manifest content of the questionnaire data. Results: The results showed that learning about, from and with each other were prerequisites for achieving person-centered care. The ability to provide person-centered care was influenced by factors that could be related to both the organization and to the individual nurse. Important factors were organizational transparency and structure, leadership and collaboration between healthcare centers, partnership, sole caregiver attitudes and skills. Conclusion: In order to develop person-centered care, it is crucial that an integrated care chain feature a joint documentation system; efficient use of the resources allocated to the needs of the various healthcare centers; and a change of focus from the professional to the person seeking care.