How do people living with chronic conditions and their informal caregivers experience primary care? A phenomenological-hermeneutical study

Primary Care Academy, Dagje Boeykens, Muhammed Mustafa Sirimsi, Lotte Timmermans, Maja Lopez Hartmann, Sibyl Anthierens, Hans De Loof, Kristel De Vliegher, Veerle Foulon, Ine Huybrechts, Lies Lahousse, Peter Pype, Birgitte Schoenmakers, Peter Van Bogaert, Kris Van de Broeck, Ann Van Hecke, Nick Verhaeghe, Mieke Vermandere, Emily Verté, Dominique Van de VeldePatricia De Vriendt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Gaining insight in how people living with chronic conditions experience primary healthcare within their informal network.

BACKGROUND: The primary healthcare system is challenged by the increasing number of people living with chronic conditions. To strengthen chronic care management, literature and policy plans point to a person-centred approach of care (PCC). A first step to identify an appropriate strategy to implement PCC is to gain more insight into the care experiences of these people and their informal caregivers.

DESIGN: A phenomenological-hermeneutical philosophy is used. The study is in line with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Guidelines (COREQ).

METHOD: In-depth, semi-structured interviews with people living with chronic conditions and informal caregiver dyads (PCDs) (n = 16; 32 individuals) were conducted. An open-ended interview guide was used to elaborate on the PCDs' experiences regarding primary care. A purposive, maximal variation sampling was applied to recruit the participants.

RESULTS: Based on sixteen PCDs' reflections, ten themes were identified presenting their experiences with primary care and described quality care as listening and giving attention to what people with chronic conditions want, to what they strive for, and above all to promote their autonomy in a context wherein they are supported by a team of formal caregivers, family and friends.

CONCLUSION: To meet the PCDs' needs, self-management should be addressed in an interprofessional environment in which the PCD is an important partner. The findings may facilitate a shift to encourage PCDs in their strengths by enabling them to share their personal goals and by working towards meaningful activities in team collaboration.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Three strategies-self-management support, goal-oriented care, and interprofessional collaboration-have been suggested to improve the PCDs' primary care experiences. These strategies could guide nursing practice in using more and improve high-quality nursing care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)422-437
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing
Volume32
Issue number3-4
Early online date17 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The Primary Care Academy is funded by fund Dr. Daniël De Coninck, King Baudouin Foundation, Belgium. The funder had no involvement in this study. Grant number: 2019‐J5170820‐211588.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Copyright:
Copyright 2022 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • chronic illness
  • lived experiences
  • nursing practice
  • phenomenological-hermeneutical
  • primary care
  • qualitative study

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