[The Experiences of Community Nurses Providing Age-Friendly Care in Pingtung County: A Focus Group Study].

Background: Pingtung is a county in Taiwan that covers a large area and a population marked by significant cultural diversity. Healthcare programs in the county must take geographical and cultural needs into consideration to create a person-centered, friendly-care model for the county's older adult residents.

Purpose: This study was designed to explore the experiences of community nurses in Pingtung County caring for adults in the community and identify related core competency needs.

Methods: A focus group research method was used, and community nurses were recruited to participate in focus group discussions. Each focus group included 10 to 12 nurses, and each session lasted about 120 minutes. The interview data were recorded, transcribed, content analyzed, and rigorously controlled.

Results: The two discussion sessions organized for this study were both held on August 9, 2012, with a total of 12 head nurses and 13 registered nurses participating. The researchers identified the following six themes: 1. Training of cross-cultural community care and systemic care capabilities; 2. Cultivation and improvement of professional capabilities; 3. Improving capabilities of evidence implementation and innovative ideas; 4. Promoting evidence implementation and self-identity; 5. Leadership management transformation and organizational reengineering; 6. Optimizing dementia care and creating a more patient-friendly atmosphere.

Conclusions: Community nurses play an important role in maintaining and improving public health. Special needs such as aging, multiculturalism, geographical characteristics, and dementia requires that systematic care provided be sensitive to cultural characteristics, work to improve evidence-based application capabilities, and strengthen leadership and management.