Need for reassurance in self-care of minor illnesses

• AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:This study describes people's need for reassurance in self-care of minor illnesses.BACKGROUND:Self-care and active surveillance are advocated as important strategies to manage minor illnesses. Reassurance influences patient satisfaction and confidence in the practicing of self-care.DESIGN:This study is a descriptive and interpretive qualitative study.METHODS:Twelve persons with experience in self-care and receiving self-care advice were recruited, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews between September and December 2014. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analyses.RESULTS:Having previous experience and the ability to actively manage symptoms using self-care interventions was described as reassuring. Participants became stressed and concerned when the symptoms persisted and interventions lacked the desired effect, which often resulted in a decision to consult. Participants wanted to feel that the nurse was an actual person, who was sympathetic, present and understanding, when they received self-care advice. The nurse's assessment and reasoning of the symptoms facilitated care-seekers' assessments of risk, and clear and concrete advice on how to manage the symptoms exerted a calming effect. Patients needed to trust that the nurse understood their situation to embrace the advice, and being invited to return created a feeling that the nurse had listened and taken them seriously.CONCLUSION:Reassurance has the potential to allay doubts and fears to build confidence, which influences self-care and consultation behavior. Personal presence in the encounter, receiving an assessment and an explanation of the symptoms and precise advice are reassuring. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Matematik -- Sannolikhetsteori och statistik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Mathematics -- Probability Theory and Statistics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

confidence

minor illness

nursing

primary care

reassurance

self‐care

self‐care advice

telephone nursing

Nursing

Omvårdnad

Matematisk statistik

Mathematical Statistics

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)