Göğüs Hastalıkları Kliniklerinde Çalışan Hemşirelerin Ajitasyon Yönetimi Deneyimleri: Niteliksel Bir Çalışma

Abstract

This study was conducted as a descriptive qualitative study to examine the agitation management experiences of nurses working in chest diseases clinics. The research universe consists of nurses who have been working in chest diseases clinics for at least six months and who have previously provided care to agitated patients. The sample included 13 nurses who met these criteria and accepted the study. The ‘Introductory data form’ prepared by the researchers and the ‘Semi-structured interview form’ regarding agitation management were used in data collection. The data were collected by the researcher using the in-depth interview method and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The research data are presented under 4 themes and 10 subthemes. There are 2 subthemes (emotions, behaviors) under the theme of “agitation table,” 4 subthemes (environmental conditions, elements related to disease and treatment, elements related to patients, and elements related to the system) under the theme of “agitation facilitators,” 2 subthemes (prevention-related efforts and efforts made while agitation occurs) under the theme of “agitation management efforts,” and 2 subthemes (challenging emotions and developmental awareness) under the theme of outcomes for nurses. As a result of the study, it was seen that agitation table can occur with behaviors such as yelling at people around, insulting people, throwing objects, making physical contact with healthcare professionals, pulling out invasive catheters, and refusing treatment. Etiological factors include environmental factors such as noise and constant light, patient-related situations such as lack of information and repetitive hospitalizations, and systemic factors such as inadequacy in treatment management and lack of knowledge of healthcare professionals. The study found that effective management of agitation is possible with team cooperation and increasing the level of knowledge on the subject; Otherwise, it has been concluded that the treatment process may be disrupted and the patient may harm both himself/herself and his/her environment. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that institutional guidelines containing general, evidence-based principles and approaches in agitation management be established, institutional policies be determined to identify risky situations that lead to agitation and to take precautions, and interventions be planned to increase the competence of healthcare personnel regarding agitation symptoms, etiology and management.