Nursing actions that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe nursing actions performed by nurses that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: People who suffer from wet age-related macular degeneration risk central vision loss. Treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor is the only available option at present that preserves vision and no definitive cure currently exists. Patients feel that they are compelled to accept this treatment because they might otherwise become blind.

DESIGN: An explorative and descriptive design based on the critical incident technique was used.

METHOD: Interviews with 16 Swedish patients who all had received intravitreal treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration.

RESULTS: Two main areas of good nursing care were identified: 'Being perceived as an individual' and 'Being empowered'. The first area was divided into two categories: being respectful and being engaged. Being respectful was observed when nurses had a benevolent attitude towards their patients and answered questions kindly and politely. Patients saw themselves as individuals when nurses were available for conversation and focused on them. The second area was divided into two categories: encouraging participation and creating confidence. Encouraging participation refers to when nurses provided information continuously. Nurses instilled confidence and trust in their patients by keeping promises and by being honest.

CONCLUSIONS: A respectful interaction between patients and caregivers is necessary for patients to obtain beneficial health care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Patient interviews revealed important information about nursing actions that created a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Nurses acknowledged people as individuals and created trust by building partnerships and sharing decision-making. To address each patient's concerns, nurses need to prioritise each patient's narrative and participation by documenting agreements in their medical record.