title: Older patients in Sweden and their experience of the emotional support received from the registered nurse--a grounded theory study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study intends to explore older patients' experiences of the emotional support received from registered nurses (RNs). We also aimed to gain deeper knowledge about the process of how getting the support they need is managed by the patient.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted using the grounded theory method. Data were collected by interviewing 18 patients between 80 and 96 years old.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reasons why older patients experienced the emotional support received from the RN are reflected in the categories 'Meets my needs when I am irresolute', 'Meets my needs when I am vulnerable' and 'Meets my needs when I am in need of sympathy'. Reasons to the emotional support resulted in that patients experienced 'A sense of being able to hand over', which is therefore the core category of this study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Older patients' experiences of emotional support are about obtaining relief. Patients were active participants and had strategies for which they wanted to share their emotions with the RN. In order to develop participatory care for older patients, we need more knowledge about how emotional support can be used as a nursing intervention.
authors: a School of Social and Health Sciences , Halmstad University , Halmstad , Sweden.
authors: Margaretha
authors: M
authors: Norell Pejner
authors: Kristina
authors: K
authors: Ziegert
authors: Annica
authors: A
authors: Kihlgren
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009726:Nurses; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013548:Sweden
keywords: emotion; needs; relief; social; support