Health professionals' perspectives of next of kin in the context of reablement

摘要

Aim: To describe health professionals' perspectives of next of kin in the context of reablement. Methods: A total of 49 health professionals from different organizational levels participated. Their ages, genders, experiences, and professions varied. A total of 10 focus group discussions were held in two municipalities. The data analysis was conducted using a constructivist grounded theory approach. Results: The core category was identified as negotiating between themselves. Two categories captured the different dimensions of the core category: facing a dilemma with next of kin in reablement and ambiguous motives for collaborating with next of kin. Conclusion: In collaboration with next of kin, it is important for health professionals to be aware of and manage the possible differences in expectations and opinions concerning reablement. Health professionals need to acknowledge that next of kin can be a source of support for older adults. They also need to take into consideration that next of kin may need support, information, and education associated with their roles as next of kin to older adults