Nurs Outlook. 2026 Mar 31;74(3):102753. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2026.102753. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: 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.
PURPOSE: This study examined how nurses understand trustworthy caregiver engagement and identified the relational and organizational supports needed to strengthen caregiver involvement in clinical settings.
METHODS: 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.
DISCUSSION: 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.
CONCLUSION: 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.
PMID:41924838 | DOI:10.1016/j.outlook.2026.102753
