BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, neurological disease. Primary healthcare (PHC) nurses are often the patient's first contact, but studies regarding their experience assessing RLS-associated symptoms and treatment needs in telephone nursing (TN) are lacking.

PURPOSE: To describe how PHC nurses experience symptoms and treatment needs of patients with RLS-associated symptoms during TN.

METHODS: A descriptive abductive design, including semi-structured interviews with 18 PHC nurses from six Swedish regions. Data was deductively analyzed using the Four Habits communication model. Facilitators and barriers were inductively identified.

RESULTS: Invest in the beginning included the use of professional competence, interpretation of influencing factors at the start of the conversation and initial understanding of the patient's RLS symptoms. Elicit the patient's perspective involved originate from the patient's perception of the symptoms and comprehending the symptoms' impact on the patient's life situation. Relate to the patient's situation and the importance of trust in the patient meeting described demonstrating empathy. Invest in the end involved triaging patients with RLS-associated symptoms, providing self-care advice to patients with RLS-associated symptoms and achieving consensus at the end of the conversation.

CONCLUSION: Using the Four Habits communication model could enrich communication regarding RLS-associated symptoms and treatment needs during TN.