Developing strategies to facilitate the motivation of nurses rendering quality patient care in rural hospitals : an appreciative inquiry approach

Abstract

Background and objectives: The purpose of the study was to develop strategies to facilitate nurses’ motivation for rendering quality patient care in a rural hospital using an Appreciative Inquiry approach. The objectives of the study were to determine the positive aspects that the nurses value about the work environment, the nursing profession and their organisation and to develop strategies to facilitate nurses’ motivation to render quality patient care in rural hospitals. The strategies that were developed may be used to motivate nurses in rural hospitals or be used by nurse managers and supervisors in similar poorly resourced rural hospitals in developing countries. Methods: An Appreciative Inquiry approach with a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design was used. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Twenty participants were interviewed. The researcher employed Marshall and Rossman’s model and that of Tesch to analyse the data. The principles of Guba and Lincoln were used to ensure the trustworthiness; credibility; transferability, dependability, conformability and authenticity of the findings. Results: The findings revealed that factors that motivated nurses were effective feedback about their performance and for them to be involved in decision making. Conclusions: The strategies to facilitate motivation of nurses were intended for use by all managers in rural hospitals. They would also be useful to motivate nurses in similar poorly resourced rural hospitals in developing countries.