Factors that influence patient involvement in nursing homes: staff experiences

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the staff’s experience with factors influencing patient involvement. Background: The focus of this study was care for frail, elderly patients in Norwegian nursing homes (NHSs). The background was an earlier quality development project where staff participated in a one-year systematic competence-building programme. Recommendations for patient involvement are part of the current legislation and ethical norms in Norway, but patients may not be able or have the opportunity to exercise their rights on every occasion. Method: Focus group interviews were conducted with a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Three groups were selected from different wards in one nursing home. Data were systematized and categorized before further analysis. Results: The results reveal the staff’s descriptions of the attitudes and the environmental conditions that contribute to patient involvement. The competence-building programme raised consciousness among staff and contributed to a change in staff attitudes. Furthermore, the results also emphasize the importance of teamwork, continuity, structural conditions, time pressure, and cooperation with the next of kin when evaluating patient involvement. Conclusion: The findings of this study have the potential of contributing to the improvement of clinical practice in nursing homes