Patients' experiences of interpersonal relationships during first time acute hospitalisation.

This article examines the role of interpersonal relationships on patients' experiences during first time acute hospitalisation. It is developed from a wider study undertaken in 2000 in which patients' overall experiences were explored. A qualitative methodology was used with data collected by means of semi-structured interviews and personal stories. Twelve participants were involved, seven females and five males of varying ages, all first time acute medical and surgical admissions. Findings suggest that supportive interpersonal relationships reduce patient vulnerability and that nurses play a key role in the development and maintenance of these relationships.