‘The point is family involvement on caring cardiac patient’ lived experience nurses and family caregivers on collaboration in Indonesian Hospital Care: A phenomenology study

Abstract

Background: Chronic diseases including heart disease have a significant impact due to demographic shifting, especially in  low-mid income countries like Indonesia. Nurses have vital roles on chronic disease management, such as prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. However, the global nurse’s shortage poses a challenge for healthcare collaboration nowadays.

Purpose: To explore the experience of collaboration between nurses and family caregivers in disease patients in an Indonesian hospital.

Methods: A phenomenological approach in qualitative study was applied in this study. The data collection involved eight semi-structured interviews with PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping hospital nurses in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data was analysed thematically, using six steps from Braun and Clarke and Atlas.ti software.

Results: Data analysis revealed four themes: (1) Nurse’s role and tasks; (2) Family caregiver roles & tasks; (3) Positive impacts collaboration with family; and (4) Negative impacts collaboration with family.

Conclusions: The family caregiver's role during patient hospitalization primarily involves assisting with activities of daily living (ADL) and participating in family-focused education for discharge planning. Nurses highlight the significance of family engagement in monitoring fluid balance, supported by guidance on recording intake and output. Although errors may occur, caregivers believe that their involvement results in improved patient outcomes, such as enhanced calmness and adherence to treatment.