The impact of patients' social backgrounds assessment on nursing care: Qualitative research

Junki Mizumoto; Daisuke Son; Masashi Izumiya; Shoko Horita; Masato Eto

doi:10.1002/jgf2.650

The impact of patients' social backgrounds assessment on nursing care: Qualitative research

J Gen Fam Med. 2023 Sep 22;24(6):332-342. doi: 10.1002/jgf2.650. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Authors

Junki Mizumoto¹, Daisuke Son², Masashi Izumiya¹, Shoko Horita³, Masato Eto¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical Education Studies, International Research Center for Medical Education, Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan.
² Department of Community-based Family Medicine, School of Medicine Tottori University Faculty of Medicine Yonago Japan.
³ Center for Medical Education, School of Medicine Teikyo University Tokyo Japan.

Abstract

Background: Although nurses are expected to address the social determinants of health (SDH) in clinical settings, the perspectives of front-line nurses on the integration of SDH into their clinical practice remain unclear. Understanding the dynamism of this integration and its outcomes can yield crucial insights into effective nursing care. This study aims to elucidate the integration and adoption of tool-based SDH assessment nursing programs and their impacts on daily nursing care.

Methods: We conducted qualitative research at a small community-based hospital in Japan, where a tool-based program characterized by social background interviews and documentation was implemented. Nurses at the hospital were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. After hypothesis generation, semi-constructed in-depth online interviews were conducted. Each interview lasted between 30 and 50 min. The data were analyzed via thematic analysis using the framework approach.

Results: A total of 16 nurses participated. Participants' incorporation of the novel SDH assessment program was bolstered by prior learning and their recognition of its practical value. Institutional support and collaborative teamwork further facilitated the adoption of this innovation. Enhanced knowledge about the social contexts of their patients contributed to increased respect, empathy, and self-affirmation among participants, consequently enhancing the quality of nursing care.

Conclusion: Through team-based learning, reflection, and support, nurses can integrate a tool-based SDH assessment program into their daily nursing practice. This program has the potential to empower nurses to deliver more holistic care and redefine their professional identity. Further research is warranted to assess patient-reported outcomes.

Keywords: hospital general medicine; medical communication; medical education; nursing care; qualitative research; social determinants of health.