Journal article
Nurses’ perspectives on trustworthy caregiver engagement in clinical settings: A qualitative study
Nursing outlook, Vol.74(3), p.102753
05/01/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2026.102753
PMID: 41924838
Abstract
Informal caregivers play a central role in patient wellbeing, yet their contributions and emotional strain are often unrecognized within clinical systems. Nurses frequently identify caregiver distress and support ongoing engagement, though how this work develops in practice remains underexamined.
This study examined how nurses understand trustworthy caregiver engagement and identified the relational and organizational supports needed to strengthen caregiver involvement in clinical settings.
A qualitative descriptive design was used. Seventeen registered nurses participated in semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by Relational Nursing Theory and Structural Competency.
Nurses described caregiver engagement as relational work grounded in presence, communication, and emotional attunement. This work was shaped by organizational conditions including staffing, workload, and workplace culture. Structured caregiver orientation, demonstration based teaching, and multimodal communication strengthened caregiver capacity. Continuity of support beyond hospitalization was viewed as essential for caregiver preparedness and stability.
Trustworthy caregiver engagement develops through relational processes supported by organizational conditions. Strengthening this engagement requires institutional recognition, adequate staffing, training resources, and systems that extend support across the care trajectory.
•Nurses emphasize being present, acknowledging caregivers, and communicating clearly.•Structured caregiver orientation and clear communication strengthen preparedness.•Staffing levels and workload shape whether caregiver support is possible.•Supportive workplace cultures help nurses engage caregivers more effectively.•Policies should formally recognize caregiver engagement and resource it adequately.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Nurses’ perspectives on trustworthy caregiver engagement in clinical settings: A qualitative study
- Creators
- Toluwani E. Adekunle - Calvin UniversityJulie E. Yonker - Calvin UniversitySherif Olanrewaju - University of PennsylvaniaDawn Frambes - Calvin UniversityKulwinder Dhaliwal - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Nursing outlook, Vol.74(3), p.102753
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.outlook.2026.102753
- PMID
- 41924838
- NLM abbreviation
- Nurs Outlook
- ISSN
- 0029-6554
- eISSN
- 1528-3968
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/01/2026
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9985219294202771
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