Building scale and well-being in a hospice: a qualitative exploration

ObjectiveThis study explored how built space plays out in palliative care, focusing on spatial aspects that could support or hamper patients’, relatives’ and caregivers’ well-being.MethodsThis study was conducted in a freestanding small-scale hospice combining a residential part for eight guests with a day-care part for groups of about five persons. Observations were combined with semistructured, individual interviews with eight guests (sometimes accompanied by relatives) and three focus-group interviews with staff, volunteers and relatives. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed based on the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.ResultsThe most important spatial aspects that impact on physical and social well-being in palliative care turned out to be the building scale and physical proximity. The small-scale setting counters the (often negative) association of palliative care with hospital environments. When the medical condition of the guest allows, it makes communal or outdoor spaces reachable, which enhances emotional and social well-being. In worse conditions, it still makes that care and nature are always nearby. The compactness of communal spaces intensifies social contacts.ConclusionsThe building scale and physical proximity play out in the relationship between the building and its surroundings, between the residential and the day-care parts and among people within the building. Future research could investigate to what extent these spatial aspects are relevant in more conventional palliative care units or even in general hospital wards.

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Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the mindful self-care scale among Brazilian palliative care providers

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951521001802 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia ◽

Laura Soares Rodrigues Silva ◽

Ana Cristina Gonçalves Ferreira ◽

Vander Monteiro da Conceição ◽

Everson Meireles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Cultural Adaptation ◽

Self Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reliability Indices ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Hospice And Palliative Care

Abstract Objective This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS, 33-item) in a Brazilian hospice and palliative care context. Method This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 336 Brazilian hospice and palliative care providers. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer — Quality of Life Group Translation Procedure protocol was used for the translation and the cultural adaptation process. Psychometric properties supporting the use of the MSCS were examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and correlation analysis with other instruments to assess congruence to related constructs (resilience and self-compassion). The reliability of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the MSCS was assessed using Cronbach's α and composite reliability coefficients. Results The six-factor (33-item) model showed a good fit to the data, with satisfactory reliability indices and adequate representation of the scale's internal structure. Further validity is evidenced in the significant, positive correlations found between the MSCS, and similar well-being constructs, namely the Self-Compassion and Resilience scales. Significance of results The findings reveal that the MSCS (33-item) is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate instrument to examine the practice of mindful self-care by hospice and palliative care providers in Brazil. More broadly, it represents a promising instrument for future research into self-care practices and well-being among Brazilian healthcare providers.

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Housing Workers’ Evaluations of Residential Environmental Quality in South Korean Welfare Housing for Low-Income, Single-Parent Families

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12145599 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (14) ◽

pp. 5599

Author(s):

Minjung Cho

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Well Being ◽

Single Parent ◽

Housing Quality ◽

Primary Data ◽

Future Research ◽

Design Criteria ◽

Spatial Design ◽

Outdoor Spaces ◽

Family Privacy

This study evaluates the spatial conditions of the residential environment in welfare housing built for low-income, single-parent (LISP) families in South Korea to reveal the significant residential environmental (RE) design criteria concerning housing quality and family well-being. The primary data were analyzed by surveying 30 housing directors from 29 welfare residences, in conjunction with facility visits and interviews. The survey data were supplemented by interviewing 11 stakeholders, including government institute officials, project architects, and former residents who exited the program. A statistical analysis examined the RE quality in relation to building and resident features. Most respondents reported insufficient physical quality, specifically due to inappropriate units in size and number; poor indoor noise control; and substandard unit rooms, children’s rooms, and outdoor spaces. Furthermore, adequate rooms, family privacy, and a pleasant indoor environment (i.e., noise barrier, thermal comfort) were the most critical spatial design criteria. Particularly, the aforementioned housing environmental attributes were found to be different depending on a building’s construction year and type, householder type and age, and children’s age. Practical and methodological implications and future research directions are discussed to elevate the housing quality and sustainable well-being in welfare housing.

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Arts engagement facilitated by artists with individuals with life-limiting illness: A systematic integrative review of the literature

Palliative Medicine ◽

10.1177/02692163211045895 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026921632110458

Author(s):

Jenny Baxley Lee ◽

Sonja McIlfatrick ◽

Lisa Fitzpatrick

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Sense Of Self ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Health Condition ◽

Future Research ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

The Arts ◽

Art Form ◽

Arts Engagement

Background: Living with life-limiting illness significantly impacts quality of life. A growing body of evidence suggests that arts engagement facilitated by artists promotes well-being. However, no synthesis of the literature exists to describe arts engagement delivered by artists with individuals receiving palliative care. Aim: To systematically review and synthesize evidence to identify outcomes and key knowledge gaps to inform future research and practice. Design: A systematic integrative literature review was conducted using a pre-defined search strategy and reported using PRISMA guidelines. Analysis was conducted iteratively and synthesis achieved using constant comparison to generate themes. Data sources: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for studies published between database inception and August 2020. Search terms included variations on arts/artists; patients/service users; and palliative or end-of-life care. Eligibility criteria was applied and study quality assessed. Results: Seven reviewed studies explored literary, performing, and visual arts engagement in hospitals, hospice and community settings in England, the United States, France, and Canada. Study designs, interventions and findings were discussed. Themes identified across studies associated arts engagement with (1) a sense of well-being, (2) a newly discovered, or re-framed, sense of self, (3) connection with others, and (4) challenges associated with practice. Conclusion: Recommendations for future research were offered in order to maximize benefits, minimize risks and address complexity of artists’ engagement in palliative care including: (1) consistency in methods and reporting; (2) inclusion of wider perspectives; and (3) key considerations for adapting the arts by health condition and art form.

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Palliative Care Consult for Clinician Distress Through the Philosophical Lenses of Gender Norms and Phenomenology

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.790 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 245-245

Author(s):

Anessa Foxwell ◽

Salimah Meghani ◽

Connie Ulrich

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Palliative Care ◽

Gender Norms ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Social Construct ◽

The Social ◽

Palliative Care Teams ◽

Seriously Ill

Abstract The National Academy of Medicine has raised significant concerns on clinician health and well-being as many experiencing burnout, post-traumatic stress, and depression. Indeed, clinicians experience a range of human emotions when caring for older adults with severe, life-limiting illnesses. These emotions may manifest in multiple ways and from various sources. Uncertain of how to attend to such distress, clinicians may consult a trusted resource, including the palliative care team. Palliative care specialists are trained to support the complexities and needs of patients and families; increasingly, however, palliative care consults are rooted in clinician distress. This session uses clinical case examples to explore the palliative care consult for distressed clinicians from two different philosophical perspectives: (1) phenomenology and (2) the social construct of gender norms. A phenomenological lens respects the unique, subjective lived experience of each individual in their day-to-day interactions with patients, families, and health care systems. Therefore, when caring for seriously ill older adults, clinicians may bring their own subjective experiences to the patient encounter and react differently to ethical dilemmas and conflicts that arise. The social construct of gender norms asks us to examine clinician distress from a different perspective. Here, the postmodern rejection of gender binarism allows clinicians to experience a spectrum of emotions and distress regardless of gender. Exploration through clinical cases will highlight the unique, varied experience of clinician distress and offer opportunities for future research into the role of palliative care teams in supporting distressed clinicians who care for seriously ill older adults.

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The Perceived Role of Risk And Resilience Factors Regarding Children in Middle Childhood’s Psycho-Social Well-Being in a South African Rural High-Risk Community

Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology ◽

10.5539/jedp.v9n2p138 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 138

Author(s):

Tebogo Mosang ◽

Izanette Van Schalkwyk

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

South African ◽

Middle Childhood ◽

Multiple Stressors ◽

External Environment ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Development ◽

Future Research ◽

Individual Interviews

INTRODUCTION: Middle childhood can be a period of significant challenges for many children as they may struggle to adapt to the demands of this life phase and their external environment. The external environment of the child is central for positive development and quality of life. However, the situation is even worse for children who live in a South African rural high-risk community, and are faced with numerous contextual vulnerabilities and multiple stressors related to poverty. METHOD: This qualitative study used a qualitative descriptive research design and data were collected via individual interviews (parent participants) and focus group discussions (teacher participants). Thematic and content analysis were used allowing for an inductive process. FINDINGS: Findings displayed a mostly deficit mentality regarding children in middle childhood’s psycho-social well-being. The first theme referred to the negative influences of the disempowering high-risk setting for the psycho-social well-being of children in middle childhood. The second theme indicated the possible dangers for family functioning. The third theme elucidated the role of the different stakeholders to lessen these environmental stressors and obstacles to ensure safety, stability, and children’s well-being. Finally, specific components were given to intentionally protect and promote the psycho-social well-being of children in middle childhood in this community. LIMITATION: Individual interviews with parent participants were mainly conducted with female participants; data obtained from male participants could add even richer information. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that future research investigate the encouragement of the psycho-social well-being of children in middle childhood in this rural community by strengthening families’ resilience.

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Uncovering the Determinants of Sustainability Practices: Perceptive of Small Scale Dairy Farmers

International Journal of Community Development and Management Studies ◽

10.31355/21 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

pp. 037-047

Author(s):

Nalini Arumugam ◽

Zainab Mohd Karim

Keyword(s):

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Management Practices ◽

Dairy Industry ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Small Scale ◽

Regional Study ◽

Dairy Farmers ◽

Sustainability Practices

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose............................................................................................................................................................................... This research will explore the factors that determine the level of adoption and participation in sustainability practices among the local dairy farmers in Malaysia. Background............................................................................................................................................................................... Sustainability is often aimed at a solution in most fields: economics, social, and ecological welfare. Sustainability is known as the best technique to practice farming, which ensures the continuity of the practices, guarantees the continuous access to economic resources; the social well-being of the people; and also the preservation of the environment. In order to improve productivity of the dairy industry in Malaysia, it is important for the dairy farmers to be encouraged to embrace the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in their management of farm operations. Methodology............................................................................................................................................................................... Data were collected with the use of well-structured questionnaires. The face-to-face interview was conducted for 167 dairy farmers from six selected states in Malaysia. Likert-like scale was used to determine the practices that were adopted by the dairy farmers. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis and regression. Contribution............................................................................................................................................................................... This paper attempts to bring into focus the sustainable practices in farming industry especially local dairy farmers in Malaysia. It also helps to prioritize the determinants which mainly influence the sustainability in dairy industry. Findings.................................................................................................................................................................................... The findings suggest that the most significant element contributing to sustainability in the Malaysia’s dairy industries was environmental sustainability. It can be concluded that farm sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability variables explained about 42.6% of the variance that reflected sustainability. Recommendations for Practitioners......................................................................................................................................... The overall findings revealed that the entire element gave a significant role in the sustainability of the dairy industry. It is suggested that the industry in Malaysia develops over time towards sustainability. Recommendation for Researchers............................................................................................................................................ There is need for measuring sustainability thoroughly in every aspect and separately measured the sustainability determinants. Impact on Society....................................................................................................................................................................... Adopting the good management practices in improving the production by potentially revealing the dairy farmers sustainable operation practices, give benefits determinants influences dairy farmers adoption of sustainability practices; and also insights into the decision making process of dairy farmers in adopting sustainability practices. Future Research.......................................................................................................................................................................... Cross Regional study will provide better insights on intensifying the determinants of sustainability and improving the livelihood of small farmers.

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Patients’ experiences of life after bariatric surgery and follow-up care: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. e035013 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Karen D Coulman ◽

Fiona MacKichan ◽

Jane M Blazeby ◽

Jenny L Donovan ◽

Amanda Owen-Smith

Keyword(s):

Bariatric Surgery ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Well Being ◽

Adjustable Gastric Band ◽

Comparative Approach ◽

Future Research ◽

Individual Interviews ◽

Follow Up Care

ObjectivesBariatric surgery is the most clinically effective treatment for people with severe and complex obesity, however, the psychosocial outcomes are less clear. Follow-up care after bariatric surgery is known to be important, but limited guidance exists on what this should entail, particularly related to psychological and social well-being. Patients’ perspectives are valuable to inform the design of follow-up care. This study investigated patients’ experiences of life after bariatric surgery including important aspects of follow-up care, in the long term.DesignA qualitative study using semistructured individual interviews. A constant comparative approach was used to code data and identify themes and overarching concepts.SettingBariatric surgery units of two publicly funded hospitals in the South of England.ParticipantsSeventeen adults (10 women) who underwent a primary operation for obesity (mean time since surgery 3.11 years, range 4 months to 9 years), including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy, agreed to participate in the interviews.ResultsExperiences of adapting to life following surgery were characterised by the concepts of ‘normality’ and ‘ambivalence’, while experiences of ‘abandonment’ and ‘isolation’ dominated participants’ experiences of follow-up care. Patients highlighted the need for more flexible, longer-term follow-up care that addresses social and psychological difficulties postsurgery and integrates peer support.ConclusionsThis research highlights unmet patient need for more accessible and holistic follow-up care that addresses the long-term multidimensional impact of bariatric surgery. Future research should investigate effective and acceptable follow-up care packages for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

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Touchscreen interventions and the well-being of people with dementia and caregivers: a systematic review

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610217000667 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 29 (8) ◽

pp. 1261-1280 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Charlie Tyack ◽

Paul M. Camic

Keyword(s):

Learning Style ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Small Scale ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

The People ◽

People With Dementia ◽

Cochrane Reviews ◽

Informal Carers ◽

Key Aspects

ABSTRACTBackground:Dementia can have significant detrimental impacts on the well-being of those with the disease and their carers. A range of computer-based interventions, including touchscreen-based interventions have been researched for use with this population in the hope that they might improve psychological well-being. This article reviews touchscreen-based interventions designed to be used by people with dementia (PWD), with a specific focus in assessing their impact on well-being.Method:The data bases, PsycInfo, ASSIA, Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane Reviews were searched for touchscreen-based interventions designed to be used by PWD with reported psychological well-being outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using Pluye and Hong's (2014) Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) checklist.Results:Sixteen papers were eligible. They covered 14 methodologically diverse interventions. Interventions were reported to be beneficial in relation to mental health, social interaction, and sense of mastery. Touchscreen interventions also reportedly benefit informal carers in relation to their perceived burden and the quality of their relationships with the people they care for. Key aspects included the user interface, provision of support, learning style, tailored content, appropriate challenge, ergonomics, and users’ dementia progression.Conclusions:Whilst much of the existing research is relatively small-scale, the findings tentatively suggest that touchscreen-based interventions can improve the psychological well-being of PWD, and possibilities for more rigorous future research are suggested.

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Qualitative Study to Assess the Attitudes and Perception of Employers Towards Employees with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Evidence from an Emerging Economy

10.21203/rs.3.rs-81014/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Eugene Kobla Dordoye ◽

Lilian Ama Afun ◽

Thelma Mpoku Alalbila

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Medical Condition ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Well Being ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Future Research ◽

Employee Assistance ◽

Policy Document ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Hr Managers

Abstract BackgroundThe disease addiction to chemical substances or drugs such as alcohol (ethanol, C2H5OH) is still not recognised by many medical practitioners as a diagnostic nosology in Ghana. It is usually considered a moral challenge, rather than a medical condition. This perception is propagated even in the Ministry of Health’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy document which punishes symptoms of substance use disorders. This study seeks to explore the perception and attitude of employers towards employees with alcohol use disorders (AUDs).MethodA qualitative approach of in-depth interviews and observations which described the perceived attitudes of employers (using HR managers as proxy) towards employees with AUD of ten private and public hospitals in the Greater-Accra Metropolis was adopted. The face-to face interviews conducted using a an interview guide were audio-recorded and later transcribed. On average, the interview lasted between 45 and 60 minutes.ResultsFindings from the 10 interviews revealed that psychological factors accounted for AUD regardless of the nature of their work. In spite of prevalence of AUD in some hospitals, it was interesting to know that majority of these facilities had no employee assistance programmes (EAPs) and the few that had some policies on AUD were not implementing them.ConclusionThis paper focused on some aspect of HR managers’ perceived attitude toward an aspect of their mental well-being which is AUD. However, there are other pertinent issues that are crucial to employee total well-being that can be addressed in future research.

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Ocean grabbing

10.31230/osf.io/bm6pf ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Nathan Bennett ◽

Hugh Govan ◽

Terre Satterfield

Keyword(s):

Vulnerable Populations ◽

Conservation Management ◽

Well Being ◽

Marine Conservation ◽

Future Research ◽

Small Scale ◽

Marine Resources ◽

Social Ecological ◽

Systematic Inquiry ◽

Development Objectives

The term “ocean grabbing” has been used to describe actions, policies or initiatives that deprive small-scale fishers of resources, dispossess vulnerable populations of coastal lands, and/or undermine historical access to areas of the sea. Rights and access to marine resources and spaces are frequently reallocated through government or private sector initiatives to achieve conservation, management or development objectives with a variety of outcomes for different sectors of society. This paper provides a definition and gives examples of reallocations of marine resources or spaces that might constitute “ocean grabbing”. It offers a tentative framework for evaluating whether marine conservation, management or development is ocean grabbing and proposes an agenda for future research. For a reallocation to be considered ocean grabbing, it must: (1) occur by means of inadequate governance, and (2) be implemented using actions that undermine human security and livelihoods, or (3) produce impacts that reduce social–ecological well-being. Future research on ocean grabbing will: document case studies, drivers and consequences; conduct spatial and historical analyses; and investigate solutions. The intent is to stimulate rigorous discussion and promote systematic inquiry into the phenomenon of ocean grabbing.

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