Unveiling the dynamics of older person care: A qualitative exploration of the intersection between formal and informal caregiving from the perspectives of registered nurses in Greece

Xiarchi, Lamprini Maria and Nässén, Kristina and Palmér, Lina and Cowdell, Fiona and Lindberg, Elisabeth (2024) Unveiling the dynamics of older person care: A qualitative exploration of the intersection between formal and informal caregiving from the perspectives of registered nurses in Greece. BMC Health Services Research. ISSN 1472-6963

[thumbnail of s12913-024-11401-5.pdf]
Preview
Text
s12913-024-11401-5.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (1MB)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In the evolving landscape of older person care, the imperative to explore holistic approaches persists, particularly in regions marked by distinct societal and cultural norms regarding informal caregiving. The deeply ingrained tradition of familial caregiving, often led by female family members, has historically compensated for healthcare system gaps in less integrated systems. Hence, societal expectations may affect nurses’ experiences and impact the quality of care for older persons. This study endeavors to describe the meaning of caring for older persons through the eyes of registered nurses engaging in older person care. Research Design and Methods: We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of ten in-depth interviews with registered nurses engaging in older person care settings. Results: The results elucidate the relationship between formal and informal care structures based on registered nurses’ lived experiences, offering valuable insights into the complex landscape of older person care. Four themes evolved from the analysis: i) Experiences of living with older people as the basis for caring, ii) Caring as a “double-faced” fulfillment, iii) Experiencing insufficiency in the caring relationship, and iv) The encounter of existential issues creating loneliness. Discussion and Implications: This research provides insights into the meaning of caring for older persons, highlighting the perspectives of the closest professional caregivers of older individuals. A specific capture of the entanglement of cultural norms, societal expectations, and their impact on professional caregivers’ experiences may contribute to quality care provision in systems rooted in familial caregiving traditions.

Item Type: Article
Identification Number: 10.1186/s12913-024-11401-5
Dates:
Date
Event
5 August 2024
Accepted
21 August 2024
Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords: Holistic care, Nursing, family caregiving, older person care, qualitative research
Subjects: CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-04 - nursing and midwifery > CAH02-04-01 - nursing (non-specific)
CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-04 - nursing and midwifery > CAH02-04-02 - adult nursing
Divisions: Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Nursing and Midwifery
Depositing User: Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited: 20 Aug 2024 09:29
Last Modified: 03 Sep 2024 15:25
URI: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15741

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Research

In this section...