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Dragosits A, Martinsen B, Hemingway A, Norlyk A. Coming home: older patients' and their relatives' experiences of well-being in the transition from hospital to home after early discharge. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2300154. [PMID: 38166522 PMCID: PMC10769116 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2300154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the lived experience of well-being among older patients and their relatives in the transition from hospital to home after early discharge. Research has shown that the transition brings severe challenges to their everyday lives. However, to date, there has been a lack of research focusing on the lived experiences of well-being during this process. METHODS The data collection and analysis followed the phenomenological approach of Reflective Lifeworld Research. Ten in-depth interviews with older patients and their relatives were conducted in Austria up to 2-5 days after hospital discharge. RESULTS The essential meaning of the phenomenon of well-being in the transition from hospital to home is marked by security and confidence to face the challenges following the discharge. Four constituents emerged: being calm and in alignment with the homecoming, being in familiar surroundings at home-a sense of belonging, striving towards independence-continuity of life and having faith in the future. CONCLUSION Our findings point to the importance of recognizing the vulnerability associated with the transition from hospital to home, as it impacts the existential aspects of space and time. Facilitating a sense of continuity and belonging can foster well-being during this critical period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Dragosits
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Bente Martinsen
- Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ann Hemingway
- Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
| | - Annelise Norlyk
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Agder University, Grimstad, Norway
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Kerr AM, Wehrli J, Contente C, D P, Sisk BA. Dyadic coping experiences of parents of children with vascular anomalies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31261. [PMID: 39171558 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular anomalies (VAs) are a spectrum of rare pediatric disorders that require coordinated care from multiple subspecialists. Parents often struggle to coordinate care for their child's complex rare disorder. Even when they do access expert care, parents of children with VAs report high levels of stress and uncertainty. While previous research has explored parents' experiences navigating care for VAs, we know very little about how parents cope with stress together. Given the effect that dyadic coping can have on individual, couple, family, and child outcomes, we aimed to gain a better understanding of dyadic coping in the context of VAs. PROCEDURES We collected data using semi-structured interviews with 27 parents (13 dyads and one individual parent). Data were analyzed using dyadic thematic analysis. RESULTS Parents experienced stress related to medical, personal, logistical, and financial aspects of their child's healthcare. They relied on eight coping strategies: active coping, seeking emotional support, seeking informational support, cognitive avoidance, distraction, cognitive reframing, acceptance, and internalization. When analyzed together, we found evidence of five dyadic coping dynamics: collaborative, supportive, delegated, separate, and negative. CONCLUSION Dyadic coping is complex and multilayered for parents of children with VAs. While the child's diagnosis is considered a shared stressor, both parents may not share preferred coping strategies. Parents of the same child may also be coping with different medical, relational/social, personal, or logistical stressors altogether. Psychosocial interventions designed to facilitate parental coping should address these complex coping dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Kerr
- Department of Primary Care, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dublin, Ohio, USA
| | - Jacqueline Wehrli
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clarice Contente
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Prathana D
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University Scripps College of Communication, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Bryan A Sisk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Bioethics Research Center, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Koren C, Cohen Y, Demeter N. Being alone after late-life divorce: freedom and loneliness from an intergenerational familial/dyadic perspective. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38990123 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2377264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine in-depth experiences of loneliness and freedom after late-life divorce from an intergenerational familial/dyadic perspective in a family-oriented society that also values self-determination. Considering the expansion of late-life divorce, it is important to understand its consequences for the family wellbeing. METHOD According to phenomenology tradition, data was collected through 51 semi-structured qualitative interviews, comprised from 7 family units (n = 33) including all/most family members and 9 parent-child dyads (n = 18), using thematic-analysis and dyadic interview-analysis principles. Analyzing family units enables a more complex examination of the phenomena, providing a holistic view of family life. RESULTS Loneliness and freedom experienced simultaneously was the most common. A gap was identified between generations regarding benefits and costs of late-life divorce. Whereas most divorcees emphasized the benefits of freedom, most of their adult-children mainly described the disadvantages of loneliness, perceiving both loneliness and freedom as negative. CONCLUSION Late-life divorce is a complex experience comprised of both loneliness and freedom. Each generation experiences the benefits and costs of late-life divorce differently. Unique aspects of freedom and loneliness at old age in a socio-cultural context located between self-determination and family-oriented are discussed, including strategies of coping with loneliness. Implications for families and professionals are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaya Koren
- The School of Social Work and The Center for the Study of Society, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yafit Cohen
- The School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Naor Demeter
- The Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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Lehmkuhl L, Munck MS, Rothmann MJ, Sorknaes AD. Exploring critically ill patients' and their relatives' experiences of intensive care unit during COVID-19: A qualitative study. Nurs Crit Care 2024; 29:427-437. [PMID: 38183390 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Admission to an intensive care unit has physiological and psychological consequences for patients and families, including the family's fear that the patient might die. The COVID-19 pandemic underlined this and furthermore involved visiting restrictions separating patients and families. AIM To explore how patients with confirmed COVID-19 and their relatives experienced an intensive care unit stay and its significance for family dynamics. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study was performed during the spring of 2020. Five dyadic interviews were conducted with COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit and their relatives. The analysis was inspired by Hochman's dyadic analysis. FINDINGS The analysis revealed three themes: (1) From ill to critically ill: The trauma of separation and fear of losing loved ones; (2) The relatives' significant role in creating a shared coherent understanding of the admission in ICU due to COVID-19; (3) The nurses' roles as a go-between in maintenance of the family dynamic. CONCLUSION Separation challenged family function and destabilized family dynamics. Nurses provided emotional support, information about and contact with the patient and relatives. The patients' distorted perception of reality and lack of memory were reconstructed in new family narratives, which offered relief and stabilization of family dynamics. The nurses entered into a triad with the patient and relatives, which also contributed to maintaining a relational dynamic in the family. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Maintaining communication between health professionals, relatives and patients, and usage of virtual visits during intensive care unit stay can support the family relationship. Nurse therapeutic conversations might help families' in redefining their family dynamics after ICU admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Lehmkuhl
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, OUH Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maja Stensdal Munck
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, OUH Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
| | - Mette Juel Rothmann
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Anne Dichmann Sorknaes
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Internal Medicine & Emergency Department M/FAM, OUH Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
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Bergström M, Larsson Ranada Å, Sverker A, Thyberg I, Björk M. A dyadic exploration of support in everyday life of persons with RA and their significant others. Scand J Occup Ther 2023; 30:616-627. [PMID: 34846249 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.2007997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Support from significant others is important for participation in everyday life for persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Meanwhile, significant others also experience limitations. AIMS To explore how support is expressed by persons with RA and significant others, and how support relates to participation in everyday life of persons with RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixteen persons with RA and their significant others participated in individual semi-structured interviews. The material was analyzed using dyadic analysis. RESULTS Persons with RA and significant others reported that RA and support had become natural parts of everyday life, especially emotional support. The reciprocal dynamics of support were also expressed as imperative. Also, support from people outside of the dyads and well-functioning communication facilitated everyday life. CONCLUSIONS Significant others and the support they give are prominent factors and facilitators in everyday life of persons with RA. Concurrently, the support persons with RA provide is important, along with support from outside of the dyads. SIGNIFICANCE The results indicate that the interaction between persons with RA and the social environment is central to gain insight into how support should be provided for optimal participation in everyday life. Significant others can preferably be more involved in the rehabilitation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bergström
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa Larsson Ranada
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Annette Sverker
- Department of Activity and Health and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Thyberg
- Department of Rheumatology in Östergötland, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mathilda Björk
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Wittenberg E, Goldsmith JV, Beltran E. Collective caregivers: A novel examination of health literacy management approaches. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2497-2503. [PMID: 34801338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health literacy and communication skills are necessary for family caregivers who often work in pairs, known as collective caregiving. Health literacy management is a relational process where communication between caregivers can be a barrier or pathway to improving or co-creating health literacy. The purpose of this study was to examine how collective caregivers manage health literacy. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted separately for 42 caregiving pairs (n = 84). The interview guide was developed using a cancer caregiver health literacy framework. Caregiving pairs were placed into one of three collective caregiving communication patterns (absolute concordant, semi-concordant, absolute discordant). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and a thematic analysis was performed by independent coders. RESULTS The analysis revealed three different health literacy management approaches: a defined approach where caregiver roles were clearly designated (absolute concordant pairs); a contrasting approach where one caregiver was the health literacy expert (semi-concordant pairs); an independent approach characterized by individual information seeking, processing, and patient/provider engagement (absolute discordant pairs). CONCLUSIONS Health literacy support should address aspects of the family system such as caregiver-caregiver communication which influence variance in health literacy management. Practice implications Our study can inform provider communication and healthcare interventions aimed at supporting health literacy for caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Wittenberg
- California State University Los Angeles, Department of Communication Studies, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Joy V Goldsmith
- University of Memphis, Department of Communication and Film, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Emeline Beltran
- California State University Los Angeles, Department of Communication Studies, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Sousa H, Bártolo A, Ribeiro O, Figueiredo D. A family-centred perspective on the arteriovenous fistula in end-stage renal disease: Findings from dyadic interviews. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:426-438. [PMID: 34921431 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The preservation of a well-functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is crucial for successful dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD); nonetheless, complications are frequent which leads to lower quality of life, hospitalisations and death. Self-care behaviours help to reduce the risk of complications and family caregivers can play an important role as partners for behaviour change. However, the patient and family caregiver's experiences with such an invasive intervention are largely unknown. AIMS This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with ESRD and their family caregivers with the AVF through joint interviews. METHODS A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with a purposive sample. Semi-structured joint interviews were conducted with 14 dyads (28 participants) composed of patients on haemodialysis with AVF and their respective family caregivers. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and submitted to thematic analysis. FINDINGS Four major themes were identified: (i) AVF negative impacts; (ii) (un)presence of self-care behaviours; (iii) AVF self-management facilitators and (iv) AVF self-management barriers. DISCUSSION The findings suggested that more attention needs to be paid to patients' and their family caregivers' support needs (e.g. fears, concerns, knowledge, adherence barriers and facilitators) regarding AVF self-management. The dyads seem to be aware of how to take care of the AVF; however, self-care behaviours still need to be improved. CONCLUSION Innovative interventions need to follow an interdisciplinary approach with an educational and support component. The integration of family caregivers should also be considered, since this study evidenced their lack of knowledge and skills, and willingness to participate in these initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Sousa
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro (Campus Universitário de Santiago), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Bártolo
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), Piaget Institute - ISEIT/Viseu, (Estrada do Alto do Gaio), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Oscar Ribeiro
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro (Campus Universitário de Santiago), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela Figueiredo
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS.UA), School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro (Campus Universitário de Santiago), Aveiro, Portugal
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Werner S, Hochman Y, Rosenne H, Kurtz S. Cooperation or Tension? Dyadic Coping in Cystic Fibrosis. FAMILY PROCESS 2021; 60:285-298. [PMID: 32293718 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Following a rise in the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, many adults with CF form couple relationships. Yet, dyadic coping has not been previously examined in people with CF. This study examined how adults with CF and their partners cope as a couple with the illness, and what meanings each partner and the couple as a unit attribute to the experience. Seventeen adult CF patients and their partners participated in separate semi-structured in-depth interviews. Two main patterns of dyadic coping with CF were identified as follows: cooperation and tension. For couples in cooperation, the marital relationship served as a resource for adaptive coping. These couples were characterized by similarities in their perception of the place of CF in their lives and of their roles in the marital relationship. Couples in tension described the couple relationship as strained by difficulty of accepting the disease, proliferation of negative emotions, and a sense of burden and loneliness in the process of coping. Findings point to the importance of mutual empathy, clear and accepted division of roles between the partners, and open communication for facilitating coping as a couple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirli Werner
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work & Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Hochman
- School of Social Work, Sapir Academic College, Hof Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Hadas Rosenne
- Department of Social Work Services, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shifra Kurtz
- Department of Social Work Services, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Petersen JJ, Østergaard B, Svavarsdóttir EK, Rosenstock SJ, Brødsgaard A. A challenging journey: The experience of elderly patients and their close family members after major emergency abdominal surgery. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 35:901-910. [PMID: 32857474 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Knowledge of how elderly patients undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery and their close family members experience the course of illness is limited. Little is known about how such surgery and hospitalisation affect elderly patients' daily life after discharge. It is well known that such patients have an increased risk of mortality and that their physical functional level often decreases during hospitalisation, which can make them dependent on family or homecare services. Critical illness and caregiving for a close relative can be a stressful experience for families, which are at risk of developing stress-related symptoms. AIM To explore how elderly patients and their families experience the course of illness during hospitalisation and the first month at home after discharge. METHOD A phenomenological study was conducted to gain in-depth descriptions through 15 family interviews with 15 patients who had undergone major emergency abdominal surgery and 20 of their close adult family members. Data were analysed using a phenomenological approach inspired by Giorgi. FINDINGS The essence of the phenomenon is captured in three themes: (1) Being emotionally overwhelmed, (2) Wanting to be cared for and (3) Finding a way back to life. CONCLUSION Patients and their close family members experienced the course of illness as a challenging journey where they longed for life to become as it was before illness. They experienced illness as a sudden life-threatening incidence. In this situation, it was crucial to be met with empathy from healthcare professionals. The patients' experience of fatigue and powerlessness remained intense one month after discharge and affected their and their close family members' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Jacoby Petersen
- Gastrounit, Surgical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Graduate School of Health, University of Aarhus Graduate School of Health Sciences, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Birte Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Steffen Jais Rosenstock
- Gastrounit, Surgical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Brødsgaard
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager Hvidovre, Denmark.,Section for Nursing, Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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