Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how nurse-client interaction changes as relationships develop in the context of home visiting, and to determine if relationships develop as described by Peplau (1952/1991). Peplau's theory describes nurse-client relationships as developing in stages consisting of orientation, working and resolution. Peplau posits that as relationships progress, nurses' and clients' goals become more closely aligned, mutual problem solving occurs, and clients make use of resources discussed with the nurse. Background: Many clinical trials of home visiting programs demonstrate improved health outcomes for clients who receive consistent contact with one nurse. However, little is known regarding how nurse-client relationships develop in the home visiting context and how they contribute to client health behavior (Korfmacher, Kitzman & Olds, 1998). Methods and participants: A naturalistic (Lincoln & Guba, 1985; Patton, 1990; Stake, 1995), prospective, multiple case study design (Yin, 1994) will be used to examine the development of nurse-client relationships during home visits. Five nurse-client dyads will be included in the study. The researcher will observe and audio-record home visits made to women in the study beginning in the early stages of pregnancy and concluding with a post-partum home visit. Each client will receive a minimum of five home visits from the public health nurse assigned to their case. Analysis: Audiotapes will be transcribed and analysis will be facilitated using NUDIST computer software. The process of relationship development will be tracked using a start list of codes (Miles & Huberman, 1994) based on Peplau's Theory.
Learning Objectives: To investigate how nurse-client interactions change. To test Peplau's theory in nurse-client interactions. To use a qualitative approach to study nurse-client interactions
Keywords: Providers, Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.