[Structural conditions in outpatient care: effects and strategies to guarantee quality of care - results of an explorative study].
Since the demand of professional outpatient care increases steadily, the general conditions of care need to be focussed. In particular, the structural conditions of the clients' homes are of considerable importance as they constrain the work of nurses and may reduce quality of care. Thus, the aim of this investigation is to identify the impact of structural conditions on professional care and strategies used by home care nurses to compensate structural barriers. The explorative nature of this topic required a qualitative study design, consisting of ten intensive interviews with home care nurses. Derived from Mayring's approach of systematic data interpretation, a process model for data analysis was developed and adapted to the research question. Eventually, six categories were identified which depict the impact of structural conditions on quality of care. Main aspects for quality of care were found in the working process, and that in turn affects the outcome in terms of high-quality home care. Moreover, five categories were evolved that describe strategies of home care nurses to compensate structural constraints and thus ensure professional care. Essential strategies were ascertained such as applying the nursing process, nurses offering advisory service to clients and work facilitation through auxiliary techniques.
Heuberger
Matthias
M
matthiasheuberger@gmx.net
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005858:Germany; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D055805:Moving and Lifting Patients; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D017751:Safety Management; D012931:Social Environment