Core elements of the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and older patients without cognitive impairment during their stay at the hospital: A mixed-methods systematic review

Abstract

Background: The fundamental importance of establishing an interpersonal care relationship for quality nursing care has been highlighted. However specific elements of the interpersonal care relationship of importance to older patients in the hospital have not been identified.

Objectives: The aim of this review was to explore and synthesise research findings regarding the elements of the interpersonal care relationship concept from the perspectives of older patients.

Design: A systematic mixed-methods review.

Data sources: An extensive search was conducted up until October 2018 for articles without any publication date time limit in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and CINAHL.

Review methods: Primary studies were included if they concerned patients aged 65 years or older and their perspectives on the elements of the interpersonal care relationship with nurses. Inclusion was limited to patients without cognitive impairment who were admitted to an acute hospital setting. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative studies, the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was used to structure the results of the included studies.

Results: Of the 7596 studies found, 24 were included in this review. Twenty articles had a qualitative, three a quantitative and one a mixed methods design. Older patients consider dignity and respect as core values that need to be met in the interpersonal care relationship. Five core elements of the interpersonal care relationship were identified to meet these core values: elements related to caring behaviour and attitude, person-centred care, patient participation, communication and situational aspects. These core elements were structured according to three categories, identified in the literature, that determine the quality of the interpersonal care relationship: nurse-, older-patient-related elements and situational aspects.

Conclusions: The elements identified in this review can guide efforts to define the interpersonal care relationship between older patients and nurses. Nurses should be supported and motivated by education and practice to adapt their behaviour, attitudes and communication to meet older patients' expectations. Hospital management can also encourage nurses to communicate well. Investment in the current organisation of care is needed to improve nurses' work overload and presence. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying processes influencing the experience of the interpersonal care relationship from the perspectives of older patients, nurses, informal caregivers and hospital management.

Keywords: Aged; Hospitals; Nurse-patient relations; Nurses; Nursing; Review; Systematic review.