Need for reassurance in self-care of minor illnesses

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study describes people's need for reassurance in self-care of minor illnesses.

Background: Self-care and active surveillance are advocated as important strategies to manage minor illnesses. Reassurance influences patient satisfaction and confidence in the practicing of self-care.

Design: This study is a descriptive and interpretive qualitative study.

Methods: Twelve persons with experience in self-care and receiving self-care advice were recruited, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews between September-December 2014. Data were analysed using qualitative content analyses.

Results: Having previous experience and the ability to actively manage symptoms using self-care interventions was described as reassuring. Participants became stressed and concerned when the symptoms persisted and interventions lacked the desired effect, which often resulted in a decision to consult. Participants wanted to feel that the nurse was an actual person, who was sympathetic, present and understanding, when they received self-care advice. The nurse's assessment and reasoning of the symptoms facilitated care-seekers' assessments of risk, and clear and concrete advice on how to manage the symptoms exerted a calming effect. Patients needed to trust that the nurse understood their situation to embrace the advice, and being invited to return created a feeling that the nurse had listened and taken them seriously.

Conclusions: Reassurance has the potential to allay doubts and fears to build confidence, which influences self-care and consultation behaviour. Personal presence in the encounter, receiving an assessment and an explanation of the symptoms and precise advice are reassuring.

Relevance to clinical practice: The needs of nursing care may persist despite the absence of medical needs. The encounter between the nurse and care-seeker is a unique possibility for reassurance and confidence that a minor illness is self-limiting in its nature, and self-care interventions provide relief and comfort.

Keywords: confidence; minor illness; nursing; primary care; reassurance; self-care; self-care advice; telephone nursing.