Deciding to transfer a resident to the emergency department: A phenomenographic examination of decision making in residential aged care

This research explores the experience and understanding of Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) nurses' decision-making when transferring a resident from RACF to the emergency department. The interpretive qualitative approach of phenomenography reveals decision-making as being a marionette, too dumb to have an opinion, making family happy, being on your own, not being about the resident, and having experience. These findings reveal the need for empowerment and professional autonomy of RACF nurses to ensure active participation and engagement during decision-making. The insights about RACF nurses' experience of decision-making gained from this research contribute to improving the care of RACF residents.Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Health Science, Queensland University of Technology, 2018