The impact of home visits on a group of individuals with persistent mental disorder in Malta.

Abstract

This qualitative study was aimed to explore the effects of home visits provided by nurses on a group of Maltese patients who suffer from persistent mental disorders. The objectives included the exploration of the patients' views on the patient-nurse relationship that develops during the home visits. Factors of the home visits that patients find helpful or hindering and how these home visits are affecting the lives of these patients were also examined. Eight participants were chosen by purposive sampling method. All eight participants took part in the study. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to obtain data. The data was analysed by capturing the participants' meaning of the subject under investigation. Main findings revealed how much these patients valued the patient-nurse relationship and the personal qualities of the nurses who provide the home visits. Home visits were the preferred setting of care vis-a-vis the clinic setting due to continuity and consistency of care and involvement in the care plans. There was an increased sense of care and support ever since home visits were introduced in the care plans. The home visits also provided a means of socialisation and a relief from solitude. Recommendations for further research included a similar research about this subject using larger samples and other studies on this subject which explore the views of health professionals and the relatives in order to achieve a broader view. Longitudinal studies were also recommended. Recommendations for improvement of practice included the use of key worker system and person-centred approaches of care. The service of home visits need to be introduced to other sectors in Malta. Patients and relatives need to be further educated and informed about mental health problems. All health professionals working in the community sector need on-going training that is focused on community and home care settings.