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Court RJ, Swallow V, El-Yousfi S, Gray-Burrows K, Sotir F, Wheeler G, Kellar I, Lee JM, Mitchell R, Mlynarczyk W, Ramavath A, Dimitri P, Phillips B, Prodgers L, Pownall M, Kowalczyk M, Branchflower J, Powell L, Bhanbhro S, Weighall A, Martin-Kerry J. Children and young people's preferences and needs when using health technology to self-manage a long-term condition: a scoping review. Arch Dis Child 2024:archdischild-2023-326044. [PMID: 39142825 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326044] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of patient-facing health technologies to manage long-term conditions (LTCs) is increasing; however, children and young people (CYP) may have preferences about health technologies which they interact or engage with, that influence their decision to use these technologies. AIMS To identify CYP's reported preferences about health technologies to self-manage LTCs. METHODS We undertook a scoping review, searching MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL in July 2021. Searches were limited to papers published between January 2015 and July 2021. We included any health technologies used to manage physical and mental LTCs. Qualitative content analysis of study data was undertaken to categorise data into themes and quantitative data were described and visually represented. We engaged CYP with LTCs to support the review design, interpretation of findings and development of recommendations. RESULTS 161 journal articles were included, describing preferences of CYP. Most included studies were undertaken in high-income countries. CYP's main preferences and needs were: design and functionality; privacy and sharing; customisation and personalisation of the technology; and interaction options within the technology. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights important preferences and needs that CYP may have before using technologies to self-manage their LTC. These should be considered when developing technology for this population. Future research should involve CYP throughout the development of the technologies, from identifying their unmet needs through to final design, development, evaluation and implementation of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Jane Court
- Nursing and Midwifery, Sheffield Hallam University College of Health Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield, UK
| | - Veronica Swallow
- College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarab El-Yousfi
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kara Gray-Burrows
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, UK
| | - Fiona Sotir
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gemma Wheeler
- NIHR MedTech & In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative Sheffield Children's Hospital, NIHR Sheffield CRF, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ian Kellar
- Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jia Mang Lee
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Robyn Mitchell
- Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Group Member, University of York, York, UK
| | - Wiktoria Mlynarczyk
- Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Group Member, University of York, York, UK
| | - Arnav Ramavath
- Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Group Member, University of York, York, UK
| | - Paul Dimitri
- NIHR Children and Young People MedTech Cooperative, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Bob Phillips
- Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Lucy Prodgers
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Jacob Branchflower
- NIHR MedTech & In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative Sheffield Children's Hospital, NIHR Sheffield CRF, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lauren Powell
- School of Education, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sadiq Bhanbhro
- Health Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Weighall
- School of Education, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Ambrosio L, Hislop-Lennie K, Serrano-Fuentes N, Driessens C, Portillo MC. Psychometric properties of the living with long term conditions scale in an English-speaking population living with long term conditions in the UK. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077978. [PMID: 38199640 PMCID: PMC10806636 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present the psychometric properties of the living with long-term condition (LwLTCs) scale in an English-speaking population of people with different LTCs. DESIGN An observational and cross-sectional study, with retest was conducted. Psychometric properties including feasibility, internal consistency, confirmatory factor analysis, reproducibility and content validity were tested. SETTING The study took place across the UK via primary care surgeries and voluntary organisations, between December 2021 and June 2022. PARTICIPANTS The study included 577 patients living with different LTCs, as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, chronic heart failure, Parkinson's disease, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inclusion criteria included: (a) having been diagnosed with one or more of the conditions; (b) being able to read, understand and answer written questionnaires; (c) being fluent in English and (d) being able to provide written informed consent. Patients were involved in the design and pilot study of the scale. RESULTS A total sample of 577 people with an age range of 37-97 years (98±9.65) were recruited. Internal consistency of the total 26-item LwLTCs scale score was excellent (ordinal alpha=0.90) but confirmatory factor analysis showed better fit indices (Normed Fit Index=0.96; standardised root mean square residual=0.051; Goodness of Fit Index=0.98) for a 20-item LwLTCs scale. CONCLUSIONS A shorter version of the LwLTCs scale, with just 20 items and with excellent psychometric properties, is recommended. Having a short scale is key when considering the implementation of the scale in clinical practice to develop person-centred pathways and more comprehensive care plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Ambrosio
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Nestor Serrano-Fuentes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
| | - Corine Driessens
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
| | - Mari Carmen Portillo
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
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Ward AL, McPherson L, Mc Glanaghy E. Discussion Surrounding Theory, Knowledge, and Practical Applications for Clinical Nurse Specialists to Aid Them in Caring for Parents with Cancer Who Have Young Children. Semin Oncol Nurs 2023; 39:151483. [PMID: 37567835 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2023.151483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the theory, knowledge, and practical applications that clinical nurse specialists should consider adding to their "toolkit" to support them in caring for people affected by cancer with young children. DATA SOURCES Expert opinion and relevant studies on the topic formed the basis of this article. CONCLUSION A conversation with experts identified five key areas of knowledge important to supporting clinical nurse specialists in caring for people affected by cancer with young children: family-centered and systemic practice, nursing responsibilities and competencies, trauma-informed practice, adult life stages, and stages of child development. Key areas identified have relevance to all healthcare professionals working in cancer care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE This article provides a useful overview of psychological theories important to supporting healthcare professionals in caring for people affected by cancer. A discussion on the boundaries and competencies of the nursing role led to agreement about practical advice rooted in theory and knowledge that could benefit clinical practice. Concepts of emotional labor and the wounded healer were identified as important to inform reflection and supervision when caring for a parent affected by cancer who has a young family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Lauren Ward
- Consultant Nurse Cancer and Palliative Care, Directorate of Nursing, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling, UK; Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Lorraine McPherson
- Cancer and Palliative Care Facilitator, Directorate of Nursing, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling, UK
| | - Edel Mc Glanaghy
- Clinical Psychologist, Adult Psychological Therapies, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk Community Hospital, Falkirk, UK
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Brown R, Sillence E, Coventry L, Simpson E, Gibbs J, Tariq S, C. Durrant A, Lloyd K. Understanding the attitudes and experiences of people living with potentially stigmatised long-term health conditions with respect to collecting and sharing health and lifestyle data. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221089798. [PMID: 35463624 PMCID: PMC9019355 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221089798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The emerging landscape of patient-generated data (PGData) provides an opportunity to collect large quantities of information that can be used to develop our understanding of different health conditions and potentially improve the quality of life for those living with long-term health condition (LTHCs). If the potential benefits of PGData are to be realised, we need a better understanding of the psychological barriers and facilitators to the collection and beneficial sharing of health and lifestyle data. Due to the understudied role that stigma plays in sharing PGData, we explore the attitudes and experiences of those living with potentially stigmatised LTHCs with respect to collecting and sharing health and lifestyle data. Methods This study used semi-structured interviews and a card sorting task to explore the attitudes and experiences of people living with potentially stigmatised LTHCs. Fourteen adult participants who reported having a range of conditions were recruited in England. Template analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts and descriptive statistics were used for the card sorting task. Results The findings present four overarching themes: Preferences for collecting health and lifestyle data, Importance of anonymity, Expected use of data, and Sources of emotional support. Participants illustrated a general willingness to share health and lifestyle data; however, there were some notable differences in sharing experiences, varying both by information type and recipient group. Overall, participants did not identify health-related stigma as a barrier to collecting or sharing their personal health and lifestyle data. Conclusions We outline a number of preferences that participants feel would encourage them to collect and share data more readily, which may be considered when developing data sharing tools for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Brown
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK
| | | | - Lynne Coventry
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Emma Simpson
- The NHS Business Services Authority, Newcastle, UK
| | - Jo Gibbs
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shema Tariq
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Karen Lloyd
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Blower S, Swallow V, Maturana C, Stones S, Phillips R, Dimitri P, Marshman Z, Knapp P, Dean A, Higgins S, Kellar I, Curtis P, Mills N, Martin-Kerry J. Children and young people's concerns and needs relating to their use of health technology to self-manage long-term conditions: a scoping review. Arch Dis Child 2020; 105:1093-1104. [PMID: 32444448 PMCID: PMC7588410 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of patient-facing health technologies to manage long-term conditions is increasing; however, children and young people may have particular concerns or needs before deciding to use different health technologies. AIMS To identify children and young people's reported concerns or needs in relation to using health technologies to self-manage long-term conditions. METHODS A scoping review was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL in February 2019. Searches were limited to papers published between January 2008 and February 2019. We included any health technology used to manage long-term conditions. A thematic synthesis of the data from the included studies was undertaken. We engaged children with long-term conditions (and parents) to support review design, interpretation of findings and development of recommendations. RESULTS Thirty-eight journal articles were included, describing concerns or needs expressed by n=970 children and/or young people aged 5-18 years. Most included studies were undertaken in high-income countries with children aged 11 years and older. Studies examined concerns with mobile applications (n=14), internet (n=9), social media (n=3), interactive online treatment programmes (n=3), telehealth (n=1), devices (n=3) or a combination (n=5). Children and young people's main concerns were labelling and identity; accessibility; privacy and reliability; and trustworthiness of information. DISCUSSION This review highlights important concerns that children and young people may have before using technology to self-manage their long-term condition. In future, research should involve children and young people throughout the development of technology, from identifying their unmet needs through to design and evaluation of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Blower
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Veronica Swallow
- College of Health, Wellbeing & Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Camila Maturana
- York Trials Unit, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Simon Stones
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Robert Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Paul Dimitri
- NIHR Children and Young People MedTech Cooperative, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zoe Marshman
- School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Peter Knapp
- Department of Health Sciences and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Alexandra Dean
- York Trials Unit, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | | | - Ian Kellar
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Penny Curtis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nathaniel Mills
- NIHR Children and Young People MedTech Co-operative and NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Co-operative, Sheffield Children's NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Smith J, Ali P, Birks Y, Curtis P, Fairbrother H, Kirk S, Saltiel D, Thompson J, Swallow V. Umbrella review of family‐focused care interventions supporting families where a family member has a long‐term condition. J Adv Nurs 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.14367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Smith
- School of Healthcare University of Leeds Leeds UK
| | | | - Yvonne Birks
- Social Policy Research Unit University of York York UK
| | - Penny Curtis
- School of Nursing & Midwifery University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | | | - Susan Kirk
- School of Health Sciences University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | | | - Jill Thompson
- School of Nursing & Midwifery University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Veronica Swallow
- College of Health Wellbeing and Life SciencesSheffield Hallan University Sheffield UK
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Shinan-Altman S, Katzav KO. The relationship between illness representations, alexithymia, coping strategies and subjective well-being among persons with asthma. J Asthma 2020; 58:932-938. [PMID: 32156174 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1741610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to examine subjective well-being (SWB) among persons with asthma, most of the existing studies have focused on disease-related variables or concentrated on illness representations, alexithymia and coping, making it difficult to determine whether the relationship between illness representations, alexithymia, coping and SWB is just an artifact of the disease's severity. OBJECTIVE Based on the Self-Regulation Model, this study aimed to examine the interrelationships between the disease's characteristics (annual mean of asthma attacks, preventive treatment), illness representations, alexithymia, coping strategies and SWB among persons with asthma. METHODS A convenience sample of 208 persons with asthma completed measures of the disease's characteristics (annual mean of asthma attacks, preventive treatment), illness representations (identity, causes, timeline, consequences, control, coherence, emotional representations), alexithymia, coping strategies, SWB, and socio-demographic questionnaires. A hierarchical multiple regression was calculated with SWB as the dependent variable. RESULTS The regression model was found significant (F(14, 133) = 6.42, p < 0.001), explaining 34% of the variance in SWB. Higher levels of alexithymia, identity, cause and emotional representations and lower levels of control were related to lower levels of SWB. The addition of coping strategies did not add to the explained variance of SWB. CONCLUSION This study contributes to a better understanding of the determinants of SWB among persons with asthma. The findings indicate that clinical interventions targeting persons with asthma illness representations and alexithymia may assist persons with asthma to improve their SWB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Shinan-Altman
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Keren-Or Katzav
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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9
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Portillo MC, Ambrosio L, Lanas Martín R, Navarta MV, Ursua Sesma ME, Riverol Fernández M. A pilot study on the Spanish version of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS-SR) with carers of people with Parkinson's disease. Nurs Open 2019; 6:1262-1268. [PMID: 31367453 PMCID: PMC6650674 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To report the cross-cultural adaptation and pilot study of the ongoing validation of the Spanish version of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale with carers of people with Parkinson's disease. DESIGN Cross-cultural adaptation and pilot study with a cross-sectional validation design of the Spanish version of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale - Carers. METHODS Twenty-one carers of people with Parkinson's disease from a Primary Care practice in Spain were recruited and completed the PAIS-Carers, the SF-36 Health Survey, the Brief COPE Inventory and an assessment form. SPSS 23.0 was used to determine viability/acceptability and preliminary aspects of internal consistency of the instrument. RESULTS Five of the seven domains presented floor effect (71.42%), and only one presented ceiling effect (14.28%). The internal consistency of the scale and domains showed acceptable values (over 0.7). The content validity of the Spanish version seemed satisfactory with positive comments in general from participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Carmen Portillo
- School of Health Sciences, NIHR Wessex CLAHRCUniversity of SouthamptonHampshireUK
| | - Leire Ambrosio
- Department of Nursing Care for Adult Patients, School of NursingUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Raquel Lanas Martín
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical PsychologyClínica Universidad de NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Maria Victoria Navarta
- Department of Nursing Care for Adult Patients, School of NursingUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - MEugenia Ursua Sesma
- San Juan Primary Health CentreNavarre Services of Health OsasunbideaPamplonaSpain
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Whiting S, Robertson D, Bannigan K. Primary care models for community-dwelling adults with long-term conditions: a scoping review protocol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 17:2357-2369. [PMID: 31232890 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-004003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to map primary care models designed to support adults with long-term conditions. The review will analyze the following in relation to the models identified: characteristics, impact reported, implications for practice and outcome measures. INTRODUCTION Robust solutions to support individuals with long-term conditions need to be established in order to increase health service capacity and provide cost-effective solutions while, most importantly, ensuring they receive the best services to live meaningful and productive lives. INCLUSION CRITERIA The concept to be mapped is primary care models used to support adults living with long-term conditions. This may also encompass services not solely designed for people with long-term conditions; however, they will be services that may be the first port of call for this group. Operational a priori criteria have been designed to assist with distinguishing appropriate literature. METHODS Due to the nature of the scoping review, literature from a range of published and unpublished sources will be utilized from 1995 to 2019. Databases to be searched will include: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, HMIC, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science. Appropriate gray literature will be searched, alongside hand searching selected primary care journals, conference abstracts and professional and government bodies. Articles will be restricted to English. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two independent reviewers for assessment against the inclusion criteria. Charting of the data will include details about the population, concept, context, study methods and key findings relevant to the review objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Whiting
- School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom.,The University of Plymouth Centre for Innovations in Health and Social Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
| | - David Robertson
- School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom.,The University of Plymouth Centre for Innovations in Health and Social Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence
| | - Katrina Bannigan
- School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom.,The University of Plymouth Centre for Innovations in Health and Social Care: a Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence.,Faculty of Rehabilitation, Rīga Stradiņš University, Latvia
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Maintenance and Development of Social Connection by People with Long-term Conditions: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111875. [PMID: 31141893 PMCID: PMC6603716 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Social connection is important for people’s health and well-being. Social isolation arising from a lack of meaningful connection with others can result in deterioration of well-being with negative consequences for health. For people living with multiple long-term conditions, the building and maintaining of social connection may be challenging. The aim of this study was to explore with people with long-term conditions how they perceive they maintain and develop social connections. We undertook semi-structured interviews with seventeen adults, and analyzed the data for themes. Themes were “Meaningful connection”, “Wherewithal for social connection” and “Impact of a major change in life course”. The findings suggest that social connection is valued, and facilitates meaningful ways to reciprocate support with others, thus enabling access to knowledge and resources for better health and well-being. However, people with long-term conditions can experience challenges to developing and maintaining social connectedness after a major change in life course. We suggest that healthcare providers are well placed to facilitate ways for people with long-term conditions to socially connect with others in their neighbourhood and community, and that this in particular be attended to after a major life change.
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Amoah PA, Koduah AO, Gyasi RM. "Who'll do all these if I'm not around?": Bonding social capital and health and well-being of inpatients. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2018; 13:1435108. [PMID: 29447613 PMCID: PMC5827639 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2018.1435108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Although social capital influences health-related decisions and behavioural patterns in many developing countries, minimal attention has been paid to the nuances of its effect on healthcare. This paper examines how bonding social capital affects healthcare delivery for inpatients in Ghana. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used and thematic analysis method employed to analyse the data. Interviews were conducted with health professionals and relatives and close friends of inpatients in three public health facilities in Ashanti region. Results: Relatives and close friends of inpatients were a critical source of instrumental support such as provision of meals, laundry services, running errands and financial assistance as well as emotional support. These functions—that were both ‘expected’ and ‘encouraged’— reduced the burden on the health facilities, which apparently had limited resources to offer adequate care. However, the relatives of inpatients sometimes inadvertently obstructed efficient healthcare delivery through actions such as extending ‘unapproved’ alternative care to patients. Moreover, the process of contributing towards health and well-being of the sick exposed the relatives to health risks due to poor living conditions. Conclusion: A well-defined and befitting role must be devised for at least an immediate social relation of inpatients to improve the positive effects of bonding social capital on healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmore Adusei Amoah
- a Division of Graduate Studies and Asia Pacific Institute of Aging Studies , Lingnan University , Tuen Mun , Hong Kong (SAR)
| | | | - Razak Mohammed Gyasi
- c Department of Sociology and Social Policy , Lingnan University , Tuen Mun , Hong Kong (SAR)
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