Attitudes of nurses towards home healthcare in a developing economy

Abstract

Various factors, including the ageing population, have led to an increasing demand for healthcare delivered in the patient's own home. This study explored perceptions of home care among nurses, including the potential benefits to patients and nursing careers. A cross-sectional exploratory study was performed. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 200 home healthcare nurses from one agency in India, of which 152 responded. The questionnaire asked respondents to rate their agreement to 12 items regarding their perceptions of home healthcare on a 5-point Likert scale. Factor analysis was carried out to identify themes. Mean scores were calculated for each questionnaire item to determine levels of agreement. Respondents generally had a positive view of home healthcare, with most agreeing that it allowed the nurse to carry out a holistic assessment of the patient (4.40/5) and provide preventative care (4.33/5). Many also agreed that home healthcare could prevent hospitalisation (4.15/5). However, respondents were less sure about the appropriateness of home healthcare for patients with terminal illnesses (3.96/5) and stated that home healthcare providers and hospitals needed to work together to ensure continuity of care (4.47/5). Home healthcare is a promising field and nurses within this profession are generally aware of the potential benefits to patients. It is important to raise the profile of home healthcare in India to make it more accessible and ensure that other healthcare professionals are able to refer patients when appropriate.