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The patient's perceived caring needs: measuring the unmeasurable.
L Fagerström1, K Eriksson, I B Engberg
1Faculty of Social and Caring Sciences, Abo Akademi University, Vasa, Finland. lisbeth.fagerstrom@vshp.vaasa.fi
International Journal of Nursing Practice
|June 6, 2000
Summary
Patients
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Patient Care
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Understanding patient caring needs is crucial for effective healthcare.
- Existing patient classification instruments may not fully capture patient experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the phenomenon of caring needs from the patient's perspective.
- To compare perceived patient needs with the Oulu Patient Classification (OPC) instrument.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological-hermeneutical analysis of 75 patient interviews.
- Exploration of existential, spiritual, bodily, and psychical needs.
Main Results:
- Seventeen distinct perceived caring needs were identified.
- Patients view themselves as indivisible units with interconnected needs.
- Existential/spiritual needs were found to be inadequately represented in the OPC.
Conclusions:
- Patient caring needs encompass existential and spiritual dimensions.
- The Oulu Patient Classification (OPC) requires enhancement to include a comprehensive caring perspective.
- A holistic approach is necessary to address the full spectrum of patient needs.