Self‐transcendence and nurse–patient interaction in cognitively intact nursing home patients

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to test whether nurse–patient interaction affects cognitively intact nursing home patients’ interpersonal and intrapersonal self‐transcendence, as well as testing the psychometric properties of the Nurse–Patient Interaction Scale (NPIS). Background. Self‐transcendence is considered a spiritual developmental process of maturity in adulthood, and a vital resource of well‐being at the end of life. The concept of self‐transcendence has previously been explored in various populations, yet the nurse–patient interactions’ potential influence on self‐transcendence in nursing home patients has not been published previously. Design and methods. A cross‐sectional design employing the Self‐Transcendence Scale and the NPIS was adopted. A sample of 202 cognitively well‐functioning nursing home patients in Norway was selected. The statistical analyses were carried out using lisrel 8.8 and structural equation modelling. Results. Structural equation modelling‐analysis indicates statistical significant effect of nurse–patient interaction on the patients’ self‐transcendence. Direct influence on the intrapersonal and indirect influence on the interpersonal self‐transcendence aspects was disclosed. Conclusion. Nurse–patient interaction significantly affected both interpersonal and intrapersonal self‐transcendence among cognitively intact nursing home patients. Hence, facilitating caring interventions can be significantly beneficial to older patients’ self‐transcendence and thereby well‐being, both emotional and physical. Relevance to clinical practice. Caring behaviour signifies the vital and ultimate qualitative nursing behaviour, which promotes self‐transcendence and thereby well‐being. These findings are important for clinical nursing that intends to increase patients’ well‐being.