Perceptions and interpretations of nurse-patient interactions - A qualitative study

This study analyses the interaction between nurses and paraplegic patients who are indicative of chronically ill persons in their pursuit of self-determination and autonomy, concerning all aspects of life. The study aims at closing a gap in the research about nurse-patient interaction. Data were collected in two German hospitals. We used problem-focussed interviews with nurses and patients, and participant observation at three points of time during the process of mobilisation. Data were analysed by hermeneutic case-reconstruction. The focus of analysis was on themes that were important for patients while receiving care and on how nurses perceive and interpret these themes. In several steps of analysis the categories were derived from the data, then the corresponding ones were linked together in order to establish key categories. This allowed identifying themes of concern for patients during the nursing process. In the next step, the patients perspective was contrasted with the nurses' perspective. Central themes identified by this comparison were finally documented in a case description. Results show that communication during the nursing process and active participation are of central concern for patients.