Aim: To explore Registered Nurses' experiences of continuity of care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease inprimary care.
Design: An inductive, descriptive qualitative study.
Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 purposively sampled Registered Nurses of varying levels of experience from eight regions in Sweden. The audiotaped interviews were conducted over a 5-month period (December2023–April 2024), transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive description.
Results: Registered Nurses' experiences of continuity of care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are described by three themes (seven subthemes): Patient continuity (Building personal relationships: Being accessible and enabling trust and confirmation), Collaborator continuity (Having a colleague to lean on: Colleagues can lean on me: Feeling alone with my expertise) and Continuity with myself (Trusting my own competence: Carrying a burden alone).
Reporting Method: Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Guidelines.
Conclusion: This study provides an understanding of Registered Nurses' experiences of continuity of care in primary care. The results may help improve future care since nurses play an essential role in the care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within primary care.
Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: To enhance continuity of care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the relationship between the nurse and the patient is important, as is collaboration with colleagues. This collaborative approach allows these nurses to maintain continuity with both the patients and themselves, fostering a more stable and effective care environment.
Impact: This study offers valuable insights into the experiences of Registered Nurses in maintaining continuity of care within primary care, particularly for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By highlighting the critical role of Registered Nurses in managing these patients, the study underscores the importance of strong nurse–patient relationships and effective collaboration among healthcare professionals.
Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution.
Wiley , 2025.
continuity of care, COPD, experiences, healthcare professionals, nursing, nurses, primary care, qualitative research, interpretive description.