Respect and its associated factors as perceived by older patients

Abstract

Aims and objectives To investigate older hospital patients' perceptions of respect in a patient–nurse relationship and its associated factors. Background To be cared for with respect is fundamental to ethical nursing care. However, respect has seldom been a main topic of nursing research, and few of these studies have assessed older patients' perceptions of being respected by nurses alongside associated factors. Design A cross‐sectional, descriptive and correlational survey design. Methods Hospitalised older patients (n = 200) were interviewed using the ReSpect Scale, measuring respect within the nurse–patient relationship, the EuroQol 5D‐5L, measuring perceived health status, and the Patient Satisfaction Scale, measuring satisfaction with nursing care. Sociodemographic characteristics were also collected. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, the t test and analysis of variance. The STROBE Statement was used for reporting this research. Results Older patients reported moderate levels of perceived respect in their patient–nurse relationships. A statistically significant, strong positive correlation between patient satisfaction and their perceptions of respect was found. Poor perceived health status was also statistically significantly associated with older patients' perceptions of respect. No statistically significant associations between patients' other sociodemographic characteristics and their perceptions of respect were found. Conclusions The identification of factors and their associations with respect is a basic step towards theory generation. Further empirical research is needed to test the preliminary associations found in this study to further develop the current understanding of respect and its associated factors. Relevance to clinical practice The older patients' perceptions of respect highlighted in this study show the need for the further consideration, reflection and development of this important aspect of the relationship between patients and nurses. The identification and measurement of respect and its associated factors may help to improve respect in nursing care making it more visible in the care of older people.

Caring behaviors of male nurses: A descriptive qualitative study of patients' perspectives

“…Regarding the respectfulness of male nurses, the finding that most of the patients found nurses to be respectful of their needs, dignity, and individuality are consistent with the previous studies 24‐27 . These studies described that patients' perceived elements of doctors' and nurses' respectfulness include respect to care, autonomy, needs, dignity, individuality, and information.…”

Expectations of patients with colorectal cancer towards nursing care– a thematic analysis

“…According to McCormack and McCance (2017), the way nurses are sympathetically present and available to each patient in the moment reflects the quality of nursepatient relationship. Earlier research suggests that respect for patients in nurses' "being with" and "doing for" plays a crucial role in older patients' assessments of their care satisfaction (Koskenniemi et al, 2019). Thus, it is important to practice these behaviours during the clinical practicum and maintain them in clinical work through continuous education.…”

An evaluation of instruments measuring behavioural aspects of the nurse–patient relationship

“…Relatedly, the conceptual boundaries surrounding the relationship remain poorly circumscribed (Feo, Conroy, et al, 2019). The relationship is often broadly conceptualised as a professional relationship designed to meet patient needs and goals, yet it is seen to involve multiple constructs, including empathy, trust, communication, respect, authenticity and advocacy (Dinç & Gastmans, 2013; Koskenniemi et al, 2019; Moreno‐Poyato et al, 2016; Strandås & Bondas, 2018; Teófilo et al, 2019; Travelbee, 1971; Watson, 1997). Whilst some studies consider these constructs constitutive of the relationship (i.e.…”