The Balancing Act of Involving Relatives of Hospitalised Patients: A Qualitative Study of Attitudes, Expectations and Involvement Among Patients, Relatives and Healthcare Professionals.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to describe the current practices for involving relatives of hospitalised patients.

METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN AND JUSTIFICATION: A descriptive qualitative design using a combination of field observations and semi-structured individual interviews with hospitalised patients, relatives and healthcare professionals was applied as part of the first phase of a multiphase Participatory Action Research project. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guided the reporting.

ETHICAL ISSUES AND APPROVAL: The study adhered to the Helsinki Declaration and Nordic ethical guidelines for nursing research. All participants provided informed consent.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND FINDINGS: Three overarching themes emerged: different strategies and approaches for interaction between relatives and healthcare providers, various roles and positions of relatives and enablers and barriers for involvement of relatives.

STUDY LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by a small number of interviewed patients and relatives (all spouses) which may limit the transferability of findings to other types of relatives, such as adult children, as well as to close friends and similar relations, who may have different roles and expectations.

CONCLUSIONS

Involvement of relatives in hospital care is a complex balancing act, shaped by professional attitudes and the evolving expectations of patients and relatives. Our findings reveal that relatives occupy shifting roles and may require support themselves, with both organisational and personal factors influencing their involvement. Consequently, recognising the diverse roles and support needs of relatives is essential for preventing misunderstandings and for person- and family-centred care.