From monitoring physiological functions to using psychological strategies. Nurses' view of caring for the aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patient.

AIMS: The aims of this study were: (1) to describe nurses' views of the physical and supportive needs of patients who have suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), (2) to describe nurses' views of changes in social circumstances and (3) changes in the mental condition of patients after SAH.

BACKGROUND: As patients with SAH are generally younger and predominantly female compared with other stroke groups they may have different needs of nursing support to facilitate adaptation. Caring for persons surviving stroke involves advanced nursing skills such as monitoring neurological functions in neurointensive care and providing physical care during rehabilitation.

DESIGN: Explorative descriptive design.

METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were performed with 18 nurses in neurointensive and rehabilitation care. A qualitative latent content analysis was conducted.

RESULTS: Nurses viewed patients' need for support as a process ranging from highly advanced technological care to 'softer' more emotional care. However, shortages in the communication between neurointesive and rehabilitation nurses regarding this support were acknowledged. Changes in social circumstances and mental conditions were viewed both as obstacles and advantages regarding return to everyday life. Nurses also viewed that the characteristics of the group with SAH was not particularly different from the group with other types of stroke.

CONCLUSIONS: Support to patients with SAH is viewed as a process carried out by nurses at neurointensive care units and rehabilitation units. Shortages in communication, regarding this support, were acknowledged. Obstacles and advantages with respect to returning to everyday life could apply to any stroke group, which could make it more difficult for nurses to detect the specific needs of patients with SAH.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The communication between neurointensive nurses and rehabilitation nurses regarding support to patients with SAH is not satisfactory. Occasionally the specific needs of patients with SAH are not recognized.