Peplau's theory for telenursing with the family of patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The care challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic required nurses to have new skills in coping with health demands. In addition, this professional emerges as an important tool through the therapeutic relationship. Thus, they can be seen as a bridge of support between family members and patients. Objective: To know the perspective of nurses on telenursing as therapeutic in the context of family members of patients with COVID-19 and to discuss in the light of Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, exploratory study with a qualitative approach to the data, carried out in a private general hospital in Teresina-PI, in 2022, with a semi-structured interview. Followed by a reflective structure with the use and philosophical theoretical construct of Hildegard Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships, from 1952. Results: Nurses perceive remote assistance as an important tool for meeting the psychological and social needs of the family of patients with COVID-19. On the occasion, the nurses look at the patients' relatives experiencing the therapeutic relationship through information mediated by telenursing, which included the description of the main daily care, among other information. Discussion: Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships gives meaning to the experience of telenursing from the perspective of nurses. Conclusion: The perspective of nurses on the remote therapeutic relationship with family members of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection involved bonding and welcoming as points of development of trust, which brought positive results to family members, given the uncertainties experienced during the pandemic.

Keywords

• interpersonal relationships
• telenursing
• nursing care
• covid-19