Involvement of relatives - an observational study in a hospital context

Background
Research indicates that involvement of relatives improves coping of both patients and relatives in critical situations. This study explored current involvement of relatives of hospitalized patients at a medical and a surgical ward, respectively at North Denmark Regional Hospital.

Methods
Data was collected through participant observations and individual interviews with patients, relatives, and healthcare providers using a Participatory Action Research design. Data analysis was based on the Reflexive Thematic Analysis described by Braun & Clarke.

Results
The preliminary findings cover the following themes: Barriers and enablers for the involvement of relatives, Various roles of relatives, and Different approaches for interaction between relatives and healthcare providers. Healthcare providers’ attitudes towards involvement as well as the organizational structure at the wards influenced the
approach of how to involve relatives. Relatives experienced shifting roles and levels of involvement.

Conclusions
This study has contributed with knowledge on current involvement of relatives in a hospital context. Healthcare providers used different methods to involve relatives and various circumstances either complicated or promoted the level of involvement. The next study will expand on preliminary findings, using a participatory research design and user involvement process to investigate how to further develop current practices of involvement of relatives from the perspective of patients, relatives, and healthcare providers