Philippine nurses’ experiences of caring for patients with HIV : An interview study conducted in Baguio, Philippines

Sammanfattning: Background: Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 70 million people have been infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the disease continues to be a public health issue all around the world. There are around 42.000 people in the Philippines living with HIV and therefor the nurses and other health care personal play a key part of the persons lives when undergoing treatments. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe Philippine nurses’ experiences of caring for patients with HIV. Method: A qualitative method was used and data was collected through semi structured interviews with five Philippine nurses at a hospital in Baguio. The interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings resulted in two main themes. The first theme, Nurse patient relationship, shows that a nurse patient relationship is important when caring for HIV patients, including getting to know the patient, the importance of trust and giving person centered care. Factors that may be obstacles in the process of building a relationship is also included in this theme. The second theme, Important aspects of caring, including factors such as having conversations, listening and supporting the patient. Discussion: The main findings were discussed in relation to the literature and Travelbee’s human to human theory. The main focus in the discussion was the nurse and patient relationship and important aspects of caring for HIV patients.