The Use and Intended Outcomes of Presence: A Focus Group Study

Abstract

Purpose: To explore and understand the use and intended outcomes of presence from the perspective of and as experienced by nurses.

Methods: Twenty-seven nurses participated in one of four focus groups. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method.

Findings: Four themes emerged: (1) therapeutic communication; (2) nurse well-being; (3) dimensions of presence; and (4) intention to improve client outcomes.

Conclusions: Presence was described as a multidimensional intervention that required therapeutic communication and nurse well-being with the intention of improving client outcomes. Study findings provide evidence of the significance of presence in the face of human interaction that is shifting to virtual, impersonal communication.

Keywords: Client satisfaction; nurse-client relationship; outcomes; phenomenology; presence.