Transformation of Clinical Nursing Practice Following a Caring-based Educational Intervention: A Qualitative Perspective

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis (HD) patients experience numerous physical and psychological symptoms on a daily basis. These symptoms have a heavy impact on their quality of life, which is a key indicator of their survival in the short term. Numerous empirical studies have shown that the quality of the nurse-patient relationship (NPR) is essential in promoting positive outcomes for patients. When patients receive caring, their autonomy and independence grows, their sense of hope increases, their quality of life improves, and their sense of satisfaction with nursing care received rises. Inversely, the presence of dehumanizing practices in hemodialysis settings can contribute to delay healing for patients. In light of the importance of the quality of the relationship between nurses and HD patients and of the benefits to be had from a quality relationship, an educational intervention based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring was delivered to HD nurses. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore qualitatively the perceptions of nurses working with HD patients in French-speaking Switzerland regarding changes to their clinical practice after receiving an educational intervention intended to reinforce caring attitudes and behaviors towards patients. METHODS: The method used was that of consensual qualitative research (CQR). Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with hemodialysis nurses post-intervention. RESULTS: The results evidence a transformation of clinical nursing practice illustrated by three core ideas: (1) caring practice was reinforced; (2) new practices emerged; and (3) some limitations appeared. CONCLUSION: In these times of global pandemic where the issue of the humanization of nursing care is front and center, this professional development activity helped reinforce caring-based practice. This practice needs to be developed within the various care units in order to guarantee and promote quality of care and patient safety.