An Exploration of the Difficulties in Practicing Holistic Care by Nurses in Clinical Setting and Their Overcoming Strategies

Abstract

Shortage of nurses is a common problem in the world. In Hong Kong, the shortage of nurses is particularly serious. The nurse's workload directly influences the quality of patient care. Objective: To explore the difficulties encountered by clinical nurses in providing "Holistic Care" in the acute hospitals of the Hospital Authority of HKSAR. Method: The qualitative study approach using individual interview was adopted, and a total of 15 clinical nurses were interviewed during the period from September 2014 to May 2015. The interview was transcribed verbatim and subject to content analysis. Result: Three themes emerging from work difficulties included: 1) managing different people needs; 2) limitation at work; 3) self-management. The most difficult ones were mainly from patients who were more difficult to take care of, such as unreasonable, depressed and failed to treat or facing death, and it was not easy to deal with the relatives' emotion. The interviewees overcome these difficulties through self-regulation, the help of others and faith support. Conclusion: The interviewees generally considered that the lack of manpower led to inadequate care, but patients were quite receptive to their services and their responses were positive.

Healthcare Professional Experiences of Clinical Incident in Hong Kong: A Qualitative Study

“…For those involved with serious incident, the process of investigation takes time and impacts will last for longer. The ways of restoring personal wellness by self-reflection and supports from others identified in this study is also found with the local studies of the managing job difficulties of healthcare professionals by means of self -adjustment and help from others 21,22 and consistent with other overseas studies. 19,20 Needs After Clinical Incidents…”