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The reflective patient: intrapersonal care
1Royal College of Nursing Institute, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford. carol.edwards@rcn.org.uk
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|June 18, 2003
Summary
Patient reflection significantly influences healthcare experiences by helping individuals interpret their journey and manage unknowns. Supporting this intrapersonal care is crucial for maximizing therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare experiences
- Patient psychology
- Qualitative research
Background:
- Patient reflection is a key aspect of the healthcare journey.
- Understanding patient interpretation of experiences is vital for effective care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the significance and function of patient reflection in healthcare.
- To investigate how patients process their surgical experiences through reflection.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing in-depth, unstructured interviews.
- Longitudinal design with 19 patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery.
- Conducted 45 interviews from pre-surgery to three months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Patient reflection varied in nature and intensity.
- Much reflection centered on unresolved questions and uncertainties.
- Interpretations of experiences influenced patient responses to care.
Conclusions:
- Introduced 'intrapersonal care' as a concept for patient reflection.
- Intrapersonal care complements traditional interpersonal care provided by nurses.
- Adequate support for intrapersonal care is essential for its therapeutic potential.