Humanistic Care Needs of Hospitalized Orthopedic Patients: A Qualitative Study Guided by Watson's Caring Science

PurposeGuided by Watson's Caring Science, this study explored the humanistic care needs of hospitalized orthopedic patients and interpreted the lived meanings underlying these needs.DesignA descriptive phenomenological design was used.MethodsPurposive sampling was used to recruit 13 orthopedic inpatients from a tertiary hospital in Hebei Province, China. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method.FindingsNine themes were identified, covering pain management, safety and environmental needs, daily care, privacy and respect, psychological support, rehabilitation guidance, continuity of care, caring attention and support, and communication. Beyond these specific needs, the findings revealed a core lived experience of vulnerability, dependence, and threatened dignity during hospitalization. Patients sought not only symptom relief, but also humanistic care that helped them feel respected, understood, supported, and gradually move toward healing.ConclusionsOrthopedic inpatients have multidimensional humanistic care needs that reflect a holistic caring experience of body, mind, and spirit. Integrating technical care, relational care, and continuity of care may strengthen holistic nursing practice in orthopedic settings.