The impact of family nursing conversations on the experienced functioning of a surgical patient in terms of the international classification of functioning, disability and health.

Abstract

Abstract Background Family Nursing Conversations (FNC) aim to engage family in improving patients` functioning, but as of yet it is unknown if this functioning, as described by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), changes from FNC`s. Aim To explore the impact of family nursing conversations during hospital admission on a surgical patients` experienced functioning in terms of the ICF. Methods Participants received one FNC and two semi-structured interviews. Interviews resulted in a profile of functioning of the participant, which was analysed using a summative content analysis, where qualitative data was analysed using codes from the ICF. Results 12 participants were included in the research. 14 ICF categories were mentioned by over 65% of the participants. Participants were satisfied with their functioning on 8 categories before, and on 11 categories after the FNC. Between the first and the second interview, positive changes occurred in the categories walking, remunerative employment, recreation and leisure, pain and handling stress. Negative changes occurred in the categories sleep, carrying out daily routine and health professionals. Conclusion Many aspects of functioning improved. In particular those related to body functions, like sleep and pain, seemed due to the effects of the operation. Improvement in categories related to mental functions, and activities and participation may, at least partly, be due to the FNC`s. However, as the effect of the operation and interviews itself could not be separated from the impact of the FNC, it is unclear exactly how much of the impact could be attributed to the FNC. Recommendations Further research is needed on benefits of FNC`s on participants` functioning, and to be able to differentiate between the effects of the surgery, the interviews and the FNC.