title: Characteristics of the relationship that develops from nurse-caregiver communication during telecare.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the relationship between nurses and caregivers using a web camera and web forum as the communication methods.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In Norway and other European countries, there is an increased focus on ageing at home, which is aided by technology, as well as formal and informal care. The literature reveals that caregivers endure physical and mental burdens. With computer-mediated communication, such as telecare, it is possible for nurses to provide supportive care to caregivers in their homes.
  
  
  METHODS
  An explorative design using qualitative content analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six nurses and nine caregivers with residential spouses suffering from stroke or dementia were interviewed two times over a six-month period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nurses responded dynamically to the information they received and helped to empower the individual caregivers and to strengthen the interpersonal relationships between the caregivers. While some participants thought that meeting in a virtual room was close and intimate, others wanted to maintain a certain distance. The participants' altered their roles as the masters and receivers of knowledge and experience; this variation was based on a relationship in which mutual respect for one another and an interest in learning from one another allowed them to work together as partners to demonstrate the system and to follow-up with new caregivers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The flexibility of the service allows the possibility of engaging in a close, or to some extent, a more distant relationship, depending on the participants' attitudes towards using this type of service.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses can provide close care, support and information to caregivers who endeavour to master their everyday lives together with their sick spouses. The support seems to help the caregivers cope with their own physical and emotional problems.
authors: Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Telemark University College, Porsgrunn, Norway.
authors: Hilde
authors: H
authors: Solli
authors: Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Telemark University College, Porsgrunn, Norway.
authors: Sigrun
authors: S
authors: Hvalvik
authors: Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Telemark University College, Porsgrunn, Norway.|Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, Department of Nursing Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Ida Torunn
authors: IT
authors: Bjørk
authors: Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, Department of Nursing Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Ragnhild
authors: R
authors: Hellesø
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing*; D017216:Telemedicine
keywords: CMC; caregiver; computer-mediated-communication; nurse; online; relationship; technology; telecare; web camera; web forum