The use of the Ethnograph program to identify the perceptions of nursing staff following the introduction of primary nursing in an acute medical ward for elderly people

Abstract

Interviews with a small group of nurses working in a primary nursing ward were content analysed using the Ethnograph computer program. In response to some very general questions about their views of primary nursing, the respondents talked at some length about their improved knowledge of patients, about better communication, about their relationships with patients and relatives and about personal responsibility. They did not talk spontaneously about controlling their own practice, decision-making, autonomy or accountability. Such terms did not form part of their vocabulary in describing their work though these issues were raised obliquely in the conversations. The value of the change in the way of organizing the delivery of nursing care was seen more in terms of its potential for developing therapeutic relationships rather than in terms of personal professional development. Increased knowledge of and responsibility for specific patients coupled with the greater continuity of care they were able to provide, gave them greater job satisfaction than they had previously experienced.

Changing to primary nursing in a nursing home in Finland: experiences of residents, their family members and nurses

“…1993), a responsible attitude to the nursing job (Armitage et al . 1991, McCormack 1992, Lepola 1997) and the amount of time that nurses can spend with their patients (MacGuire & Botting 1990, Thomas 1994, Lepola 1997).…”

“…1991, Lepola 1997). Research with older patients has tended to concentrate on acute hospital wards (MacGuire & Botting 1990, MacGuire 1991), but long‐term care has been largely neglected. Although the staff perspective is predominant (Sellick et al .…”

“…Although the staff perspective is predominant (Sellick et al . 1983, MacGuire & Botting 1990, Armitage et al . 1991, Gardner 1991, Kivimäki et al .…”

“…They have more interaction than other nurses with patients and their family, they give patients the opportunity to influence their own care and encourage patients to express their views (Sellick et al . 1983, MacGuire & Botting 1990, Alcock et al . 1993, Thomas 1994, Lepola 1997).…”

Outcomes of implementing primary nursing in the care of people with chronic lung diseases: the nurses’ experience

“…It has also been suggested that collaborative collegial relationships with other nurses and with health care professionals in general be fostered by primary nursing ( MacGuire & Botting 1990; Alcock et al . 1993 ).…”