Sjuksköterskors upplevelse av hur anhöriga till personer med anorexia nervosa kan involveras i vården

by Westerberg, Peter

The purpose of my essay was to examine how the nurse experience that they can involve and support relatives of patients with anorexia nervosa so that they can become more involved in the treatment. Method: I have interviewed ten nurses with experience in treatment of persons with eating disorders. The interviews were analyzed based on a qualitative content analysis. Result: The nurse needs to create cooperativeness with the family based on trust and confidence. In families where children have developed anorexia, it is common that the disease control and dominate the whole family. The nurse can help the family identify dysfunctional interaction patterns in order to support them in changing these patterns. Parents need support to regain control and come together to work against the disease. The whole family has a great need for knowledge about the disease. Family needs practical advice, tools and support in connection with meals. The nurse tries to support the parents so that they can support their children and give their child structure, boundaries and love. It is important to pay attention to the siblings, whom also can become a major asset in the treatment. For the family to manage to fight the disease, it is important that the nurse conveys hope that the patient can be cured from this treacherous and difficult disease. Conclusion: Nurses felt that by responding to family needs in different areas they also increase the opportunities for families to participate more actively in the treatment and become a better support for their child in the struggle against the disease.