Parents' descriptions of ideal home nursing care for their technology dependent child, themselves, and their families

Home care for technology dependent children is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. health care industry, but the nursing literature lacks clear directions to guide home care nurses in planning a family-centered practice. The purpose of this study is to address this gap in the literature by eliciting descriptions of ideal home nursing care for technology dependent children from the perspective of their parents, and to compile a comprehensive list of helpful and supportive nursing interventions.; A qualitative, descriptive design was used to examine the following research questions: (1) How do parents of technology dependent children describe ideal home nursing care? (2) What are parent expectations of home nursing care? In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to elicit full and clear descriptions of ideal home nursing care from parents of technology dependent children currently receiving home nursing care.; Four interviews were conducted with three couples and one mother from four families. Within-case analysis of the interview transcripts focused on parent descriptions of ideal home nursing care. Narrative descriptions of ideal home nursing care were prepared and submitted to the participants for review. Cross-case analysis of interview data focused on parent expectations. Parent discussed their expectations of nurses and for the care provided for their child as well as their expectations of the case managers who facilitate that direct care. Examination of the data regarding direct nursing care interventions revealed 61 codes that described helpful or supportive nursing interventions and ways of intervening. These codes fell into four areas: (1) exhibiting competence in technical, assessment, clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills, (2) exhibiting a caring manner, (3) relinquishing control of the child's care to the parents, and (4) fitting in with the family and their routines.; The study findings have significance for the practice of home care nursing. Home care nurses, particularly case managers, can incorporate the study findings into their practice, facilitating a good fit between nurses and families and planning a practice is individualized to meet the unique needs of each child and family.