Research article summary (published 28 Feb 2000):

'We, not them and us?' Views on the relationships and interactions between staff and relatives of older people permanently living in nursing homes.

Full Abstract

'We, not them and us?' Views on the relationships and interactions between staff and relatives of older people permanently living in nursing homes This study describes relatives' and staffs' experiences of each other in their relationships and interactions in connection with the care of old people with dementia living in nursing homes. The aim was to identify obstacles and promoters concerning these interactions. A qualitative method was used. Data were collected from 27 hours of observations of group discussions about relatives' and staffs' communication, interactions and experiences. Three different groups, with eight participants, relatives, staff and a group leader in each, met six times during a period of 3 months. Findings indicate that the experiences that relatives and staff have of each other are related to issues about influence, participation, trust and measures to avoid conflicts. These conclusions build on concrete descriptions about care, activities, competence, communication and visits given by research participants. Experiences of situations were sometimes contradictory between relatives and staff. This implies that the potential for cooperation between relatives and staff in care of the elderly is not fully utilized. Suggestions for enhancing the relationships between relatives and staff are: pre-planned informal, individual conversations between relatives and staff; development of ways to give regular two-way feedback about matters concerning the resident and the relationship between staff and relatives; giving staff credit for measures taken to facilitate relatives' involvement in the nursing home care; measures to improve documentation about families' involvement; and working together with minor practical tasks.

Author information

Author/s: Hertzberg, A (A); Ekman, S L (SL);

Affiliation: Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Occupational Therapy and Elderly Care Research, Karolinska Institute and Red Cross College of Nursing and Health, Stockholm, Sweden. annika.hertzberg(-atsign-)neurotec.ki.se

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of advanced nursing (J Adv Nurs), published in ENGLAND. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2000-Mar; vol 31 (issue 3) : pp 614-22

Dates: Created 2000/03/30; Completed 2000/03/30; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 10718881, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Aged Attitude of Health Personnel Attitude to Health Clinical Competence - standards Communication Conflict (Psychology) Dementia - nursing; psychology Family - psychology Feedback Female Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Humans

Humans Job Description Male Middle Aged Nurses' Aides - education; psychology Nursing Homes Nursing Methodology Research Nursing Records - standards Nursing Staff - education; psychology Patient Care Planning - organization & administration Professional-Family Relations Quality of Health Care Total Quality Management - organization & administration

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