In the complex world of healthcare, providing person-centred fundamental care has emerged as a critical aspect of nursing practices. Recent research conducted by Gunnarsson et al. sheds light on the factors that enable and hinder nursing staff in this vital area. The study, framed within the context of the incharge programme, offers insights into how healthcare professionals navigate the challenges of delivering care that aligns with the individual needs of patients. This qualitative analysis not only enriches our understanding of nursing dynamics but also emphasizes the importance of organizational support, training, and communication in fostering an environment conducive to person-centred care.
The idea of person-centred care revolves around tailoring healthcare practices to meet the unique preferences, needs, and values of patients. This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional, one-size-fits-all medical practices, where treatment decisions are often made without sufficient input from those receiving care. The implications of adopting a person-centred model are profound; it has the potential to enhance patient satisfaction, improve clinical outcomes, and ultimately transform the healthcare experience. The findings from the study by Gunnarsson and colleagues provide essential insights into the myriad factors influencing the implementation of this model in nursing contexts.
One of the central themes that emerged from the research concerns the importance of effective communication between nursing staff and patients. The ability to engage in open dialogue fosters trust and understanding, empowering patients to express their preferences and concerns. However, barriers such as overwhelming workloads, time constraints, and insufficient staffing can impede nurses’ capacity to communicate effectively. The study highlights a pressing need for healthcare systems to recognize and address these challenges to ensure that nursing staff can prioritize meaningful interactions with patients.
Furthermore, training and education play pivotal roles in equipping nursing staff with the skills necessary for delivering person-centred care. The study suggests that ongoing professional development is essential for nurses to stay abreast of evolving best practices and to cultivate an empathetic approach to patient interactions. By investing in comprehensive training programs, healthcare organizations can promote a culture of continuous learning, ultimately resulting in a more competent and confident nursing workforce capable of providing high-quality, personalized care.
Another significant finding from the research is the impact of organizational culture on nursing practices. A supportive work environment that values person-centred care can greatly enhance job satisfaction among nursing staff. Conversely, a culture lacking in support can lead to feelings of disillusionment and burnout. The study advocates for healthcare institutions to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes collaboration, recognition, and empowerment of nursing staff, thereby encouraging them to embrace person-centred practices in their daily routines.
Additionally, the study reveals how stress and emotional exhaustion among nurses can hinder their performance in delivering care that is genuinely centred around the patient. High-stress levels can diminish a nurse’s ability to engage empathetically with patients, thereby compromising the quality of care provided. This underscores the importance of mental health initiatives within healthcare organizations, aimed specifically at supporting nursing staff’s well-being. By prioritizing mental health resources, institutions can help mitigate burnout and foster a healthier, more resilient nursing workforce.
The role of leadership cannot be overlooked in this context. Effective leaders have the power to influence the direction of care practices and instill a sense of purpose among nursing staff. The research emphasizes that strong leadership can inspire nurses to adopt person-centred practices by modeling these behaviors and providing the necessary resources and support. Leadership strategies that involve collaboration, open communication, and recognition can contribute significantly to improving the overall care environment, aligning nursing practices with the principles of person-centred care.
Moreover, patient involvement in care decisions emerged as a crucial element in fostering person-centred healthcare. The study highlights that when patients feel empowered to participate actively in their own care, it not only improves their satisfaction but also leads to better health outcomes. Such involvement can manifest through shared decision-making processes, patient education initiatives, and personalized care plans that reflect individual patient preferences. Thus, healthcare organizations must adopt strategies that promote patient engagement and collaboration with nursing staff.
In addressing systemic challenges, the research points out that healthcare policies and regulations must evolve to support person-centred care practices. Policymakers are encouraged to consider legislation that incentivizes healthcare systems to prioritize patient-centeredness. By establishing guidelines that advocate for adequate staffing, training opportunities, and supportive work environments, policymakers can play a transformative role in enhancing the delivery of fundamental care by nursing staff.
As the study indicates, understanding the multifaceted influences on nursing practices is essential for cultivating person-centred care. For healthcare systems to thrive in this increasingly patient-oriented landscape, they must invest in comprehensive and responsive strategies that improve both the work environment for nursing staff and the overall patient experience. The complexities inherent in healthcare highlight the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of strategies aimed at person-centred care.
Furthermore, technology also plays a critical role in modern healthcare delivery, potentially serving as a tool to enhance person-centred care. Electronic health records, telehealth platforms, and patient management systems can streamline communication and ensure that patient preferences are documented and accessible. Technology can bridge gaps in communication and provide nursing staff with the resources they need to deliver personalized care effectively. However, ethical considerations regarding patient privacy and data security must also be prioritized to maintain trust in the patient-provider relationship.
As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from Gunnarsson et al.’s study reinforce the necessity of strategic approaches to promote person-centred fundamental care. Nurses are on the front lines of patient interaction, and understanding the factors that enable or hinder their practice is crucial for shaping future healthcare policies and initiatives. By prioritizing support for nursing staff and fostering an organizational culture that values person-centred care, healthcare systems can better meet the needs of their patients while enhancing the overall quality of care provided.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the critical interplay between nursing practices, organizational support, and patient involvement in achieving person-centred fundamental care. It is evident that delivering such care requires a holistic approach that encompasses communication, training, leadership, and systemic change. As we move forward in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, it is imperative that we harness these insights to construct a more compassionate and effective care delivery system that truly places patients at its heart.
Subject of Research: Factors enabling and hindering nursing staff in delivering person-centred fundamental care.
Article Title: What enables and hinders nursing staff in delivering person-centred fundamental care? A qualitative study within the incharge programme.
Article References:
Gunnarsson, AK., Avallin, T., Hauffman, A. et al. What enables and hinders nursing staff in delivering person-centred fundamental care? A qualitative study within the incharge programme.
BMC Nurs 24, 1361 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04038-0
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-04038-0
Keywords: person-centred care, nursing staff, qualitative study, healthcare, communication, training, organizational culture, patient involvement, leadership, mental health, systemic challenges.
Tags: barriers to effective nursing practicesboosts to patient-centered healthcarecommunication in nursingenhancing patient satisfactionhealthcare professional challengesimplementing person-centered models in nursingindividual patient needs in healthcareorganizational support for nursesperson-centered nursing carequalitative analysis of nursing dynamicstraining in person-centered caretransforming healthcare experiences
