Mutuality in nursing: A conceptual framework on the relationship between patient and nurse

To describe and develop a conceptual framework for the process of mutuality between nurse and patient.

This was a qualitative study with a grounded theory (GT) design following the constructivist approach of Charmaz (SAGE handbook of research, 2014).

A sample of 33 patients with one or more chronic diseases and 35 nurses were interviewed between July and October 2020. Comparative and simultaneous data analyses were conducted. Theoretical sampling and saturation of categories were used to define the sample size.

A conceptual framework for mutuality between nurse (mean age 42 SD ±7 years, 89% female) and patient (mean age 63 SD ±8 years, 42% female) was developed, including the mutuality process, potential influencing factors for both nurses and patients, and outcomes. The mutuality process was characterised by three dimensions: developing and going beyond, being a reference, and deciding and sharing care. Influencing factors for nurses were personal characteristics and professional organisation, while for patients these were age and past experiences. Nurse outcomes were satisfaction and quality of life; patient outcomes were improved self-care and reduction of hospitalisation and emergency admissions.

This study described a new conceptual framework for mutuality between nurse and patient, which could improve our understanding of the relationship between nurses and patients, thus enhancing both nurse and patient outcomes.