Nurses' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to the provision of holistic care to clients in an elderly residential setting

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study is to study nurses' perceptions regarding the barriers and facilitators of holistic care provision within residential settings. Their knowledge about holistic care and their perceived and practised role in providing holistic care to the elderly residents is assessed. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews in which 8 qualified nurses were recorded. Participants were recruited from two residential settings placed in Gozo, the smaller island that makes up the Maltese islands. Findings were similar to other studies done worldwide, however the element of institutionalization may be more evident than other residential settings studied. Although participants had knowledge about aspects of holistic care they seemed to lack the connection between all aspects. Participants saw every aspect of holistic care as an individual aspect and failed to interconnect them together as one holistic concept. Findings also show that participants recognize the need for more knowledge and the importance for in-service training throughout their work. Recommendations for more in-service training regarding holistic care provision are suggested. Also recommendations such as multidisciplinary team discussions on the improvement or decline in every aspect of health should be done regularly on every resident. The setting could be less institutionalized to be a more welcoming environment. Further research on the residents' perceptions is recommended so that one could have a more reliable image of the quality of their life in the residential setting.