Uncovering the features of negotiation in developing the patient-nurse relationship

Abstract

This article describes a study that set out to explore the interaction between patients and nurses in community practice settings, in order to understand the social meanings and understandings brought to the interaction and at play within it. Method: The study used a grounded theory methodology with traditional procedures. Driven by constant comparative analysis, data were collected by non-participant observation and informal and semi-structured interviews in four community health centres. Eighteen patients and 18 registered practice nurses participated. Results: Negotiation was found to be a fundamental process in patient-nurse interaction. Navigation, socio-cultural characteristics and power and control were found to be key properties of negotiation. The negotiation processes for developing understanding required patients and nurses to draw upon social meanings and understandings generated from within and beyond their current interaction. Conclusion: Social meanings and understandings created within and beyond the health-care setting influence negotiation. The developmental nature of negotiation in interaction is an important dimension of the patient-nurse relationship in community practice.