A study on the Nurses' Perception of Comfort

Kim, Keum Soon; Kim, Kyung Hee; Kang, Ji Yeon; Seo, Hyun Mi; Sohng, Kyeong Yae; Won, Jong Soon; Jeong, In Sook; Chung, Hae Kyung

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study describes the perception of comfort by hospital nurses. Q-methodological was used. METHOD: The participants completed a 37-item Q sort made up of statements which could be ranked in terms of their relevance to the subjective meaning of comfort. RESULT: Three interpretable types of comfort were identified. They are as follows: Type I, emotional and spiritual well-being style: The nurses perceived that patients feel comfortable when they feel emotional support from others and spiritual easiness. The nurses felt that the patients put worth in hope for a healthy life, free from pain and fear of death. Type II, acceptive medical environment style: The nurses perceived that patients have a secure and satisfied attitude towards prompt responses, exact information and skilled intervention techniques. They also perceived that patients feel safe and secure when they feel free of pain and medical staff are kind. Type III, physical well-being style; The nurses perceived that patients feel safe and comfortable when they feel free of pain and have a good sleep and are able to maintain a comfortable position. They perceived that patients put a high value on meeting the basic needs of safety, such pain, sleep and positioning.
CONCLUSION
The result of this study can be used as a basis to develop nursing measures for promoting comfort. Further studies are recommended on factors which influence nurses' perception of comfort and strategies to promote comfort according to the style of the patients.