Involving patients & caregivers in student nurses’ education in India – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

In India “caring” for family members especially when they are hospitalized is accepted as a natural obligation and accordingly family members become caregivers. There is however no evidence of the impact of caregivers in student nurse education.

Aim

To determine the advantages and disadvantages of involving family caregivers in nurse education in India.

Design

A qualitative, exploratory case study using Appreciative Inquiry methodology.

Data collection methods

included World Café focus groups, art- based methods, and semi structured interviews; Data analysis was conducted by inductive content analysis.

Results

Three main themes are presented under subthemes 1) Involvement 2) Learning naturally, access to caregivers and support for students and 3) Conscientizacao. Findings indicate that by the involvement of patients and caregivers in student nurse education there is a transformative effect on their learning, cultural sensitivity, and social consciousness.

Conclusion

It would be beneficial for student nurses to prioritize spending time with caregivers. This not only enhances their educational journey but enables them to potentially make a positive impact on society.