Experiences of time: A qualitative inquiry into experiences of time as described by palliative care inpatients

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matra Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Phenomenological Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Future Time ◽  
Phenomenological Inquiry ◽  
Care Health ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological

AbstractObjectives:In palliative care, health professionals provide support and care for patients for the duration of the unknown time toward death. While the experiences of patients diagnosed with a life limiting illness in palliative care have received some scholarly attention, little research has explored these experiences as described by palliative inpatients themselves. The purpose of this article is to explore how patients describe their lived experiences of time while in a palliative inpatient facility.Methods:This study used a qualitative phenomenological method and nine inpatients were recruited. They were interviewed utilizing in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were audio taped and transcribed. These interview transcripts of their descriptions were the data sources for this inquiry. Their description is part of a broader phenomenological inquiry on the experience of living with a life limiting illness described by palliative inpatients. Data were analyzed to identify essential themes within and across cases.Results:Three essential themes were revealed: “brief time”; “waiting time,” and “transcendental horizon: future time.” These themes were not mutually exclusive and participant's experiences of time approaching death were described as a time of living toward death.Significance of results:The findings suggest that patients diagnosed with a life limiting illness have multi-dimensional experiences of time. Understanding the experiences of temporality for patients close to the gravity of death, from the patients' own words, can provide direction for patient informed interventions in clinical practice.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lived Experiences of Older Adults in Aged Care Homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-317
Author(s):  
Shi Yin Chee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Phenomenological Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold fear and suffering for older adults across the world. According to the World Health Organization, older adults in aged care homes are at a higher risk of the infection living in an enclosed environment with others. This article adopts a qualitative approach using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to explore the lived experiences of older adults during COVID-19. Between December 2019 and June 2020, 10 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants aged 60 years and above in two aged care homes. The lived tension that has penetrated all participants’ stories in five themes of the meanings described as ‘disconnected in a shrinking world’ filled with uncertainties. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges and disproportionate threat onto older adults’ lives, relationships and well-being. The overarching message was that older adults believe that ‘this too shall pass’ and regain their freedom that was lost during the pandemic.

Spiritual dimension in palliative care from the perspective of Thai palliative caregivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-74
Author(s):  
Pilaiporn Sukcharoen ◽  
Nanchatsan Sakunpong ◽  
Kantita Sripa
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Terminally Ill Patients ◽  
Care Health ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: In Thailand, most terminally ill patients die in hospital and are looked after by health professionals. Terminally ill patients tend to receive physical care only, while in the main, spiritual care is neglected. This study aimed to explore spirituality in palliative care health professionals and spiritual leaders in the Thai Buddhist context. Method: In this qualitative case study, seven experienced palliative caregivers took part in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis and a trustworthiness process were used to analyse the data. Findings: Three themes emerged: (1) the ability for self-awareness and faith; (2) acceptance and compassion for others; and (3) spiritual behaviour while nursing. Conclusion: The results revealed the meaning of spirituality and the necessary characteristics for spirituality in palliative care for the participants, which could serve as a basis for further development.

scholarly journals Cultural health literacy: the experiences of Māori in palliative care

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacquie Kidd ◽  
Stella Black ◽  
Rawiri Blundell ◽  
Tamati Peni
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand ◽  
Palliative Care Setting ◽  
Maori Health

Abstract: Health literacy is a concept that is frequently applied to the patient’s ability to find and comprehend health information. However, recent literature has included the skill of the health professional and the accessibility of health resources as important factors in the level of health literacy achieved by individuals and populations. In 2014 a qualitative study undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand, investigated the context of health literacy for Māori in a palliative care setting (Māori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand). The study included the experiences of patients, whānau (families), and health professionals. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews were held with 21 patients, whānau and six key informants: a medical specialist, a service leader involved in developing culturally specific responses to patients, two Māori service managers, and two Māori health team leaders. Focus groups were held with a total of 54 health professionals providing palliative care services. Data analysis: A thematic analysis was undertaken using a general inductive approach. The trustworthiness and reliability of the analysis was supported by sharing analysis of the transcripts among the research team. Member checking or respondent validation was used in seeking confirmation of the interim findings at five hui (meetings) with the research communities involved. Findings: This study found that the shock and grief that attends a life-limiting illness made hearing and processing health information very difficult for patients and whānau. Further, ‘hard conversations’ about moving from active treatment to palliative care were often avoided by health professionals, leaving patients and whānau distressed and confused about their choices and prognosis. Finally, poor cultural health literacy on the part of organisations has likely impacted on late access to or avoidance of palliative care for Māori.

scholarly journals Forestland management and empowerment: A phenomenological inquiry into the experiences of women forestland managers in the state of Georgia, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-38
Author(s):  
Hallie C. Harriman ◽  
Nicholas E. Fuhrman ◽  
Kathleen D. Kelsey ◽  
Kyle Maurice Woosnam
Keyword(s):  
Land Management ◽  
The United States ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Educational Outreach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Phenomenological Inquiry ◽  
Phenomenological Research Design ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological ◽  
Professional Resources ◽  
Experiences Of Women

Women are increasingly becoming the primary decision-makers of forested properties throughout the United States. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of women forestland owners in Georgia. A qualitative phenomenological research design was used to interview nine female forestland owners. Three themes emerged from the semi-structured interviews. Participants stated that land management involved: (a) initial feelings of inadequacy (an imposter syndrome), (b) personal and professional resources, and (c) genuine relationships. The theory of empowerment provided a basis for interpreting the findings and aided in the development of recommendations for future practice and research.  We found that  women experienced a temporary imposter stage early in land management that gave way to feeling empowered as their experiences with managing land increased. Access to trustworthy information, as well as genuine relationships with forestry professionals and other landowners, played key roles in such advancement. We recommend  strategies for natural resource professionals to consider, including encouraging formal and informal networking opportunities when working with female audiences, including at educational outreach events like those hosted by Extension.

Family caregivers voice their needs: A photovoice study

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 701-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Angelo ◽  
Richard Egan
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Physical Demands ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Palliative Care Services ◽  
Care Health ◽  
Photovoice Methodology

AbstractObjective:Caregivers often are unprepared for their role yet serve as the frontline in the provision of palliative care services. The aim of our study was to explore family caregivers' experiences from their perspective as they cared for dying relatives.Method:Using the Photovoice methodology, ten unpaid family caregivers took photographs depicting issues they experienced as informal caregivers of an ill family member who had less than a year to live. Each participant met with the first author individually four to six times and explained their role as caregiver through photographs and stories.Results:The results were clustered into seven themes: physical demands, emotional/spiritual stress, preparing for the future, securing help, medication management, navigating the agencies, and relationships.Significance of results:Caregivers perform a variety of tasks, often under stress. This study highlights the main areas where problems lie and the areas that palliative care health professionals need to be aware of so they can assist and educate caregivers, with the goal of finding solutions to the burdens of care. The themes were found to be intertwined, showing the complexity of the caregiving role.

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