Patienters och sjuksköterskors upplevelser av omvårdnad vid anorexia nervosa : En litteraturstudie

Sammanfattning: Background: Anorexia nervosa is a common and very serious mental illness that most people know about. The fear of losing control and the low motivation for change makes it difficult for the patient to realize how serious the condition is. It is important that health professionals pay attention to these patients to reduce pain and to shorten the period of illness. Objective: The aim of this descriptive literature review was to describe how patients with anorexia nervosa experience being treated by nurses and how nurses experience treating and caring for patients with anorexia nervosa. Method: A systematic literature review was completed and 14 studies were used in the result. Results: Analyzed data shows that there are many different thoughts and experiences about the care of anorexia nervosa. An important part of the care and also important for the patients recovery, was that the patient and the nurse were communicating with each other and that they developed a relationship. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a large need for the patient to take control that could lead to a struggle between the patient and the nurse. A lack of knowledge among the nurses in care of these patients was also noted. Conclusion: Through good communication and by building up a relationship, the understanding of the disease is increased. This has shown to be an important part of the patients’ recovery and therefore it is important that the nurses consider the needs of each patient and threat them with respect and empathy.