ATTITUDE OF NURSES TOWARDS FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN THE CARE OF PATIENTS AT KORLE-BU TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Family members experience deep mental, physical and economic suffering during their loved ones’ admission at the hospital. Research shows that communication deficits, contradictory information, and lack of support leads to anxiety and depression in family members as well as family dissatisfaction. The positive attitude of nurses towards families is fundamental in facilitating a therapeutic change leading to healing, emotional support and participate in medical decision-making for the family. The study aimed at assessing the attitudes of nurses towards the importance of family involvement in the care process. A descriptive method was adopted for this study. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting 60 nurses in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel software version 2013. Results showed that about 61% of nurses had extended knowledge in relative’s role played in patient’s care. 43% of nurses indicated that patient’s family can perform few nursing duties. Majority (57%) of nurses identified at least a benefit of involving patient’s relative during care giving. 93% of nurses believed patient’s relative involvement helps the patient recover faster. Nurses revealed a favourable attitude towards the importance of including families in nursing care. Nurses generally showed high knowledge and a supportive attitude about the importance of involving families in nursing care