1
|
P Grant M, A M Philip J, Deliens L, Komesaroff PA. 'It's communication between people who are going through the same thing': experiences of informal interactions in hospital cancer treatment settings. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:440. [PMID: 37395843 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In hospital settings, patients, visitors, and staff engage in many interactions outside formal clinical encounters. Whilst many of these may be inconsequential, others contribute significantly to how patients and their carers experience cancer and its treatment. This article aims to explore the experiences and significance of interactions that occur outside formal clinical encounters in hospital cancer treatment settings. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with cancer patients, carers, and staff recruited from two hospital sites and cancer support groups. Hermeneutic phenomenology informed lines of questioning and data analysis. RESULTS Thirty-one people participated in the study: 18 cancer patients, four carers, and nine staff members. The experiences of informal interactions were grouped into three themes: connecting, making sense, and enacting care. The participants described how these encounters allowed connection with others in the hospital spaces, facilitating a sense of belonging, normality, and self-worth. Through these interactions, individuals participated in making sense of their experiences, to better anticipate the decisions and challenges that might lie ahead. By connecting with other individuals, they cared for others and felt cared for themselves, and were able to learn from, teach, and support each other. CONCLUSIONS Outside the confines of the clinical discourses participants negotiate terms of engagement, sharing of information, expertise, and their own personal stories that they may employ to contribute to the individuals around them. These interactions occur within a loose and evolving framework of social interactions, an 'informal community', in which cancer patients, carers, and staff members play active and meaningful roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Grant
- Palliative Nexus Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Palliative Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, Department of General Practice, Julius Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jennifer A M Philip
- Palliative Nexus Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Palliative Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fiori M, Coombs M, Endacott R, Cutello CA, Latour JM. What the curtains do not shield: A phenomenological exploration of patient-witnessed resuscitation in hospital. Part 2: Healthcare professionals' experiences. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:2596-2607. [PMID: 35332562 PMCID: PMC9544000 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore healthcare professionals' experiences of patient-witnessed resuscitation in hospital. DESIGN Descriptive phenomenology. METHODS Healthcare professionals involved in hospital resuscitation activities were recruited from medical, intensive care, resuscitation and education departments in a university hospital in England. Data were collected through face-to-face and focus group interviews, between August 2018 and January 2019. Data were analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological approach. RESULTS Nine registered nurses, four healthcare assistants and seven doctors participated in four individual interviews and three focus groups. Findings were related to three themes: (1) Protecting patients from witnessing resuscitation: healthcare professionals used curtains to shield patients during resuscitation, but this was ineffective. Thus, they experienced challenges in explaining resuscitation events to the other patients and communicating sensitively. (2) Emotional impact of resuscitation: healthcare professionals recognized that witnessing resuscitation impacted patients, but they also felt emotionally affected from performing resuscitation and needed coping strategies and support. (3) Supporting patients who witnessed resuscitation: healthcare professionals recognized the importance of patients' well-being, but they felt unable to provide effective and timely support while providing life-saving care. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals involved in hospital resuscitation require specific support, guidance and education to care effectively for patients witnessing resuscitation. Improving communication, implementing regular debriefing for staff, and allocating a dedicated professional to support patients witnessing resuscitation must be addressed to improve clinical practice. IMPACT The WATCH study uncovers patients' and healthcare professionals' experiences of patient-witnessed resuscitation, a phenomenon still overlooked in nursing research and practice. The main findings highlight that, in common with patients, healthcare professionals are subject to the emotional impact of resuscitation events and encounter challenges in supporting patients who witness resuscitation. Embedding the recommendations from this research into clinical guidelines will impact the clinical practice of healthcare professionals involved in hospital resuscitation and the quality and timeliness of care delivered to patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Fiori
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- School of Health and Social CareEdinburgh Napier UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Maureen Coombs
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health PracticeVictoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Ruth Endacott
- National Institute for Health ResearchLondonUK
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityFrankstonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Clara A. Cutello
- Faculty of Health, School of PsychologyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of MarketingUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Jos M. Latour
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and MidwiferyUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and ParamedicineCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
- Hunan Children's HospitalChangshaChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hajdarevic S, Fallbjörk U, Fransson P, Åström S. Need of support perceived by patients primarily curatively treated for breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer and close to discharge from hospital-A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:1216-1227. [PMID: 34288184 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe perceived needs of support among patients close to discharge from the hospital and at the end of primary curative radiotherapy for breast, colorectal or prostate cancer. BACKGROUND Few studies have specifically explored patients' early support needs when ending primary curative treatment. DESIGN Qualitative interview study design. METHODS A purposive sample of 27 participants with breast, colorectal or prostate cancer aged 33-88 years. The interviews were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Reporting followed the COREQ guidelines. RESULTS Personal support to reach a sense of control and Social support for personal growth were two main themes, highlighting that people required adapted support from health care since needs of support could change over time. This support from health care was also relying on that trust-based relationships were developed. Through mutuality with others and engagement in meaningful activities people became enabled and felt further supported. Personal support from health care seems specifically important for the patients' feelings of control and could be a facilitator for patients to identify further support for personal growth in how to manage, on the one hand, illness and insecurity, and on the other, their well-being and everyday life with cancer. CONCLUSION To empower patients who are ending primary treatment and being close to discharge from hospital, healthcare professionals should recognise patients' shifting needs and adapt the support. Adapted support is significant for patients' sense of safety. Biomedical information is not sufficient to fully support patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Offering easy access to supportive care when primary treatment is finished could diminish people's stress, insecurity and avoidable use of healthcare services. Even after discharge, nurses preferably should adapt and offer support tailored to patients' needs. Such support may improve patients' sense of control and safety, trust in health care, feelings of community and encourage personal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Per Fransson
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sture Åström
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nordtug B, Brataas HV, Rygg LO. Patient experiences with videoconferencing as social contact and in follow-up from oncology nurses in primary health care. Health Psychol Open 2021; 8:20551029211012208. [PMID: 33996137 PMCID: PMC8072864 DOI: 10.1177/20551029211012208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with various forms of cancer often have unmet psychosocial support needs. By interpretative phenomenological approach, this study aimed to acquire a deeper understanding of home-living patients with cancer’s experience and meaning from videoconferencing in oncological nursing follow-up in primary healthcare and contact with networks. Six patients from rural Norway participated. Three themes emerged: (1) From skepticism to videoconferencing-enthusiasm; (2) Oncology nurses ensured tablet mastery and delivered close follow-up; and (3) Oncology nurses helped ensure general social support using videoconferencing. Oncology follow-up care in rural areas using videoconferencing may enhance care availability and provision of psychosocial support meeting patients’ needs.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zijlstra E, Hagedoorn M, Lechner SC, van der Schans CP, Mobach MP. The experience of patients in an outpatient infusion facility: a qualitative study. FACILITIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/f-03-2020-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
As hospitals are now being designed with an increasing number of single rooms or cubicles, the individual preference of patients with respect to social contact is of great interest. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the experience of patients in an outpatient infusion center.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 29 semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analyzed by using direct content analysis.
Findings
Findings showed that patients perceived a lack of acoustic privacy and therefore tried to emotionally isolate themselves or withheld information from staff. In addition, patients complained about the sounds of infusion pumps, but they were neutral about the interior features. Patients who preferred non-talking desired enclosed private rooms and perceived negative distraction because of spatial crowding. In contrast, patients who preferred talking, or had no preference, desired shared rooms and perceived positive distraction because of spatial crowding.
Research limitations/implications
In conclusion, results showed a relation between physical aspects (i.e. physical enclosure) and the social environment.
Practical implications
The findings allow facility managers to better understand the patients’ experiences in an outpatient infusion facility and to make better-informed decisions. Patients with different preferences desired different physical aspects. Therefore, nursing staff of outpatient infusion centers should assess the preferences of patients. Moreover, architects should integrate different types of treatment places (i.e. enclosed private rooms and shared rooms) in new outpatient infusion centers to fulfill different preferences and patients should have the opportunity to discuss issues in private with nursing staff.
Originality/value
This study emphasizes the importance of a mix of treatment rooms, while new hospital designs mainly include single rooms or cubicles.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hantel S, Benkenstein M. The stranger in my room: The fellow patient as the fourth dimension of patient satisfaction. Health Serv Manage Res 2020; 33:136-142. [PMID: 31973588 DOI: 10.1177/0951484820901667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that the fellow patient is a relevant dimension of patient satisfaction and has a notable influence on patient evaluations of hospitals. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING An empirical survey was conducted to collect primary data. In the study, patients in German hospitals were asked about their perceived satisfaction with fellow patients, physicians, nursing staff, and facilities. STUDY DESIGN Linear regression models were used to estimate the influence of each dimension on patient satisfaction. Various quality criteria further confirmed the quality of the extended patient satisfaction model. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The study confirmed fellow patient influence as a fourth dimension of patient satisfaction. The fellow patient had the highest impact on patient satisfaction and increases the variance of the patient satisfaction model significantly. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that patient satisfaction models should include the fourth dimension, "fellow patient." In addition to the impact of the other satisfaction dimensions, both studies highlighted the significant influence of the fellow patient on patient satisfaction. Moreover, hospital managers should try to use the impact of the fellow patient to create satisfaction, which would benefit both hospitals and patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hantel
- Universitat Rostock, Institute of Marketing and Service Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Benkenstein
- Universitat Rostock, Institute of Marketing and Service Research, Rostock, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Missel M, Borregaard B, Schoenau MN, Sommer MS. A sense of understanding and belonging when life is at stake—Operable lung cancer patients' lived experiences of participation in exercise. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2019; 28:e13126. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Malene Missel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Copenhagen University Hospital Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Britt Borregaard
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Odense University Hospital Odense C Denmark
| | - Mai Nanna Schoenau
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Copenhagen University Hospital Copenhagen Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aunan ST, Wallgren GC, Saetre Hansen B. Breast cancer survivors' experiences of dealing with information during and after adjuvant treatment: A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2019; 28:3012-3020. [PMID: 30357944 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe breast cancer (BC) survivors' experiences of participating in a 2-day educational programme (Breast Cancer School, BCS) and their critical reflection on information received during and after adjuvant treatment. The following research questions guided the study. How do BC survivors experience their participation in an educational programme? How do BC survivors experience the information trajectory during and after adjuvant treatment? BACKGROUND BC is the most prevalent cancer among women in Norway. BC survivors have a substantial need for information about the disease, treatment and recovery. During the past few years, BC treatment in Norway has changed from inpatient- to outpatient-based treatment. Oncology nurses and oncologists are obliged to provide patients and their families with information, which has necessitated reorganisation of the procedures for providing information. New arenas such as the Breast Cancer School (BCS) offer the opportunity to learn from experts and fellow patients. DESIGN Qualitative, descriptive design. METHODS Focus groups with 20 BC survivors after having participated in the BCS were used to enable critical reflection. The COREQ checklist was followed to ensure rigour in the study. RESULTS Two themes emerged from qualitative analysis: Balancing between the need for and the fear of information and Moving from a safe structure to lonely recovery. We identified differences between BC survivors in diversity, uniqueness and need for information. Continuity and expert knowledge provided by a primary oncology nurse and oncologists were highlighted as important. CONCLUSION The study reveals the need for information tailored to each BC survivor's unique needs. The BC survivors expressed both the need for and the fear of information. BCS takes both a systematic and individual approach to provide expert information, dialog and the opportunity to meet with fellow patients. The transition from the structure of the treatment to lonely recovery after the most intensive treatment was perceived as unsafe and challenging. BC patients' experiences must be continuously valued and used to improve educational programmes, care and treatment. Oncology nurses play an important part in the information chain and continuity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This study highlights the importance of including BC survivors in the design and evaluation of educational programmes. The provision of information and supportive care with continuity between oncology nurses and oncologists through the trajectory of treatment and care is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siv Tove Aunan
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Gry Ciekals Wallgren
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Britt Saetre Hansen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Quality and Safety in Health Care Systems, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shahsavari H, Zare Z, Parsa-Yekta Z, Griffiths P, Vaismoradi M. Learning Situations in Nursing Education: A Concept Analysis. Res Theory Nurs Pract 2018. [DOI: 10.1891/1541-6577.32.1.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose:The nursing student requires opportunities to learn within authentic contexts so as to enable safe and competent practice. One strategy to facilitate such learning is the creation of learning situations. A lack of studies on the learning situation in nursing and other health care fields has resulted in insufficient knowledge of the characteristics of the learning situation, its antecedents, and consequences. Nurse educators need to have comprehensive and practical knowledge of the definition and characteristics of the learning situation so as to enable their students to achieve enhanced learning outcomes. The aim of this study was to clarify the concept of the learning situation as it relates to the education of nurses and improve understanding of its characteristics, antecedents, and consequences.Methods:The Bonis method of concept analysis, as derived from the Rodgers’ evolutionary method, provided the framework for analysis. Data collection and analysis were undertaken in two phases: “interdisciplinary” and “intra-disciplinary.” The data source was a search of the literature, encompassing nursing and allied health care professions, published from 1975 to 2016.Results:No agreement on the conceptual phenomenon was discovered in the international literature. The concept of a learning situation was used generally in two ways and thus classified into the themes of: “formal/informal learning situation” and “biologic/nonbiologic learning situation.” Antecedents to the creation of a learning situation included personal and environmental factors. The characteristics of a learning situation were described in terms of being complex, dynamic, and offering potential and effective learning opportunities. Consequences of the learning situation included enhancement of the students’ learning, professionalization, and socialization into the professional role.Implication for Practice:The nurse educator, when considering the application of the concept of a learning situation in their educational planning, must acknowledge that the application of this concept will include the student’s clinical learning experiences. More studies are required to determine factors influencing the creation of a successful learning situation from the perspectives of nurse educators and nursing students, clinical nurses and patients.
Collapse
|
10
|
Marshall S, Grinyer A, Limmer M. The Experience of Adolescents and Young Adults Treated for Cancer in an Adult Setting: A Review of the Literature. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2018; 7:283-291. [PMID: 29437492 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2017.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to explore the literature on the experience of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) having cancer treatment in an adult setting, rather than on a specialist adolescent cancer unit. The integrative review method was used to explore the current literature. Primary research on the topic was located systematically and then synthesized into a thematic narrative. The experience of AYAs undergoing treatment in an adult setting was generally negative. This can be attributed to three themes: feeling isolated in the adult setting; the lack of empathy from staff working in the adult setting; and the inappropriateness of the adult environment for this age group. As many AYAs with cancer will continue to have treatment in adult settings, staff working in this environment should be aware of the negative experience of this cohort and the impact this can have on a vulnerable group of patients. Staff could consider simple ways of improving the AYA experience, such as connecting AYA patients with their peers to reduce isolation; adapting their approach to take account of the unique emotional needs of this age group; and considering ways of making the environment more welcoming and age-appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Marshall
- 1 Palliative Care Team, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cicely Saunders Institute , London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Grinyer
- 2 Faculty of Health and Medicine, Furness College, Lancaster University , Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Limmer
- 2 Faculty of Health and Medicine, Furness College, Lancaster University , Lancaster, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marshall S, Grinyer A, Limmer M. The 'lost tribe' reconsidered: Teenagers and young adults treated for cancer in adult settings in the UK. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018; 33:85-90. [PMID: 29551183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the UK has pioneered the development of specialist adolescent cancer units, the majority of teenagers and young adults (TYAs) continue to be treated at their local hospital or at a cancer centre alongside adults of all ages. This study aimed to elicit young people's views on this experience of having cancer treatment in an adult setting. METHODS Seventeen participants who had been treated for cancer in an adult hospital between the ages of 15 and 24 were recruited via cancer charities and social media. Telephone interviews were conducted with the participants and the resulting data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Already feeling out of sync as a TYA with cancer, participants felt out of place in the adult setting. Four factors contributed to this negative experience: a lack of affinity with older patients; the challenging issues in the adult setting; the absence of empathy towards TYAs by staff; and the unsuitability of the environment for adolescents. CONCLUSION Staff working with TYAs with cancer in the adult setting should be aware of the potentially detrimental impact of this environment on this cohort of patients, and consider ways of adapting and modifying their approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Marshall
- Palliative Care Team, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cicely Saunders Institute, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Anne Grinyer
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Furness College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, United Kingdom.
| | - Mark Limmer
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Furness College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Borregaard B, Ludvigsen MS. Exchanging narratives-A qualitative study of peer support among surgical lung cancer patients. J Clin Nurs 2017; 27:328-336. [PMID: 28557003 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine how hospitalised, surgical lung cancer patients experience talking to a former patient, and how the former patient experiences the role as supportive. BACKGROUND During hospitalisation, patients often create a community in which they can engage with fellow patients. The exchange of experiences with others in a similar situation might increase opportunities for support and complement nursing care, but there is a need for more evidence and understanding on the topic. DESIGN The methodological framework is based on the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur's text interpretation theory. Qualitative interviews were conducted with nine patients, including a peer informant, using a narrative structure. The analysis was conducted on three levels: (i) naïve reading, (ii) structural analysis and (iii) critical interpretation . RESULTS Four themes were developed from the analysis of the interviews: Exchanging emotional thoughts is easier with a peer; Talking to a peer reduces loneliness; Being ambiguous about a relationship with fellow patients; and Being the main person in the conversation with a peer. Sharing stories about having similar symptoms and undergoing similar journeys predominated, and the key feature of the contact between patients was the commonality of their stories. CRITICAL INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION Telling one's story to a former patient, and thereby creating a joint, common story, is the essence of this study. The support received in this process can be empowering because knowledge of the illness experience is shared and increased. This can help create new coping strategies. The contact with a former patient offered a way to confirm one's thoughts and to find a way out of the illness perspective, by seeing how the former patient had recovered. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The nursing field faces challenges in the relational aspect of caring because of ever greater efficient and shortened hospital stays; therefore, the peer support concept is becoming increasingly relevant. Patient peers offer each other their own perspectives, and it is important to raise awareness of the value of this and incorporate it into patient stays in hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britt Borregaard
- Department of Cardiothoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark.,University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Mette Spliid Ludvigsen
- Clinical Research Unit, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Uhrenfeldt L, Martinsen B, Jørgensen LB, Sørensen EE. The state of Danish nursing ethnographic research: flowering, nurtured or malnurtured - a critical review. Scand J Caring Sci 2017; 32:56-75. [PMID: 28795475 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing was established in Denmark as a scholarly tradition in the late nineteen eighties, and ethnography was a preferred method. No critical review has yet summarised accomplishments and gaps and pointing at directions for the future methodological development and research herein. AIM This review critically examines the current state of the use of ethnographic methodology in the body of knowledge from Danish nursing scholars. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search in relevant databases from 2003 to 2016. The studies included were critically appraised by all authors for methodological robustness using the ten-item instrument QARI from Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS Two hundred and eight studies met our inclusion criteria and 45 papers were included; the critical appraisal gave evidence of studies with certain robustness, except for the first question concerning the congruity between the papers philosophical perspective and methodology and the seventh question concerning reflections about the influence of the researcher on the study and vice versa. In most studies (n = 34), study aims and arguments for selecting ethnographic research are presented. Additionally, method sections in many studies illustrated that ethnographical methodology is nurtured by references such as Hammersley and Atkinson or Spradley. CONCLUSIONS Evidence exists that Danish nursing scholars' body of knowledge nurtures the ethnographic methodology mainly by the same few authors; however, whether this is an expression of a deliberate strategy or malnutrition in the form of lack of knowledge of other methodological options appears yet unanswered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Uhrenfeldt
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Science, Nord University, Bodø, Norway.,Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg Ø, Denmark.,Danish Centre of Systematic reviews: An Affiliate Center of Joanna Briggs Institute, The Center of Excellence- Clearing House, Aalborg University, Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Bente Martinsen
- Department of Public Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Erik Elgaard Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|