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: Distriktssköterskors påverkan av genus och normer i patientmötet

Abstract

Background: The importance of sex and gender for health has become increasingly important in recent decades. The Swedish healthcare system is based on the values of equality and care on equal terms. However, the knowledge about social gender is inadequate, which results in patients being assessed and treated based on gender stereotypical norms. District nurses in primary care meet patients at all stages of life and have a big responsibility in working for equal and patient-safe care - therefore it is important that district nurses have knowledge of gender-specific symptom patterns and different methods of communication. Aim: The aim was to describe the district nurse's experiences regarding gender based on the professional profession at health centers in southern Sweden. Method: The study was conducted as a qualitative interview study with an inductive approach where 12
district nurses participated fromprimary health care centers in southern Sweden. Results: The results revealed experiences that patients have significant differences in communication methods and behavior, depending on gender. The district nurses had different strategies to deal with the differences in assessment and were unconsciously influenced by gender stereotypic norms, which had an impact on the patient meeting. Experiences showed that district nurses related more and had a greater understanding of patients who reflects their own life world. The district nurses gained knowledge of gender-specific differences through clinical experience, due to the lack of medical education. Conclusion: It can mean a risk to patient safety if patients are assessed based on gender stereotypic norms, which happens unconsciously. It is essential for staff to have a gender aware way of working, which can be achieved by implementing the Gender Hand as a tool in the workplaces and medical education.

Date of Award	2023-Jun
Original language	Swedish
Supervisor	Marie Rask (Supervisor) & Lina Behm (Examiner)