Mutuality between nurses and patients with chronic illnesses: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Mutuality is a process in which the patient participates and is involved in decision-making and care interventions. The aim of this study was to measure mutuality in the relationship between nurses and chronic illness patients.

This study had a cross-sectional design; the sample included 249 patients and 249 nurses. Mutuality was measured with the Nurse-Patient Mutuality in Chronic Illness scale.

Patients had higher scores in almost all items (p < 0.001). Patients demonstrate high reciprocity towards nurses and the ability to express and share their emotions. Patients consider nurses their point of reference and share with them their health goals. Nurses show more difficulty in being mutual with the patient, especially in the aspects related to the sharing of emotions, objectives, and planning. The egalitarian relationship score was low in both patients and nurses.

These findings are important to consider at clinical, educational, organisational, and policy levels. Nurse education and organisation must push towards respect for the wishes of patients, the possibility of expressing their choices, and their involvement in the care plan.

In clinical practice, it is necessary to put the patients more at the centre, involving them in the identification of objectives and in making decisions.