Palliative care volunteer roles in Nordic countries: qualitative studies—systematic review and thematic synthesis

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2021-003330
Author(s):  
Karen Marie Sangild Stoelen ◽  
Mette Raunkiaer ◽  
Kirstine Winther ◽  
Maria Vilhelm Grubert ◽  
Benjamin Olivares Bøgeskov
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Next Of Kin ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Domain 3

BackgroundGiven limited palliative care resources, volunteers can be viewed as essential. To better understand the contribution of volunteers, it is useful to look at their roles in care systems with high level of financed public welfare, such as those found in Nordic countries.AimTo develop research-based knowledge of experiences related to volunteer roles in palliative care in Nordic countries with similar welfare systems.DesignSystematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.Data sourcesCinahl, APA PsycInfo, SocINDEX, Idunn, Cristin, SwePub, SweMed+, Doria and Danish Research Database from 2005 to 2020.Eligibility criteriaQualitative peer-reviewed studies reporting first-hand experience of volunteers in palliative care in hospital, community (homecare and nursing home) and hospice settings (hospice institution and hospice home care); English abstract and available full text.ResultsOf 1521 citations, 11 articles were included in the review: seven Norwegian articles, three Swedish articles and one Danish article. Three overall themes emerged from analysis: (1) volunteers offered something different than professionals, (2) volunteering took place in professionals’ domain, (3) volunteers were motivated by personal gains.ConclusionVolunteers provide valuable support to patients and next of kin that differs from professionals’ support. Volunteers are motivated by direct interaction with patients and next of kin. Opportunities for interactions depend on the healthcare setting and professionals’ understandings of volunteers’ role. Formal training of volunteers is limited and supportive available professionals important to volunteers. Professionals’ understandings of volunteers’ role should be improved to strengthen volunteers’ role in palliative care in Nordic countries.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020222695.

scholarly journals Aromatherapy, massage and reflexology: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the perspectives from people with palliative care needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 757-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Armstrong ◽  
Kate Flemming ◽  
Nuriye Kupeli ◽  
Patrick Stone ◽  
Susie Wilkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Advanced Disease ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Thematic Synthesis

Background: Effectiveness evidence of complementary therapies in people with advanced disease is uncertain, and yet people are still keen to engage in complementary therapy. Insights into people’s experiences of complementary therapy in palliative care, the perceived benefits, and how they want it delivered, can inform clinical guidelines and suggest ways to test therapies more appropriately in future evaluations. Aims: Explore in people with advanced disease (1) the experiences and perceptions of benefits and harms of aromatherapy, massage, and reflexology and (2) how they would like these therapies delivered. Design: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Database search terms were related to palliative care, aromatherapy, reflexology and massage. Citations and full texts were reviewed independently against predefined inclusion criteria. Studies were appraised for quality. This review is registered at PROSPERO (22/11/2017 CRD42017081409). Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, KoreaMed and ProQuest with a bibliography search to June 2018. Results: Five qualitative studies in advanced cancer were identified. Three analytical themes were identified: (1) Experience during the therapy (enhanced well-being and escapism), (2) beyond the complementary therapy session (lasting benefits and overall evaluation), and (3) delivery of complementary therapy in palliative care (value of the therapist and delivery of the complementary therapy). Conclusions: People with advanced cancer experience benefits from aromatherapy, reflexology and massage including enhanced well-being, respite, and escapism from their disease. Complementary therapy interventions should be developed in consultation with the target population to ensure they are delivered and evaluated, where feasible, as they wish.

scholarly journals SAT0643-HPR NURSE-LED CARE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PEOPLE WITH EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A QUALITATIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1280.2-1281
Author(s):  
A. M. T. Sweeney ◽  
C. Mccabe ◽  
C. Flurey ◽  
J. Robson ◽  
A. Berry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Nurse Specialist ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Early Ra ◽  
Qualitative Systematic Review

Background:Nurse-led care has been shown to be clinically effective and cost effective in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but the role of the nurse in early RA is not well defined. Evidence for processes of care in RA is limited and it is not known how well rheumatology nurse-led clinics meet care needs of people with early RA.Objectives:The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of rheumatology nurse-led care from the perspective of people with early RA.Methods:A qualitative systematic review was conducted. The review protocol is published in the International prospective register of systematic reviews.In March 2019, the following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and OpenGrey. Due to lack of studies in early RA this review included adults with early and established inflammatory arthritis, qualitative studies with data on patients’ perspectives of nurse-led care, published in peer-reviewed journals in English between 2010 and 2019. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full texts. Data were extracted and managed in tables. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for quality assessment of the included studies. A thematic synthesis was undertaken using the framework of Thomas and Harden.1Results:The search identified 1034 records. After screening and assessing for eligibility, 8 qualitative studies were included in the review (133 patients), 2 studies included people with early RA. Three main themes were identified (Figure 1).Figure 1.Themes of nurse-led care from the perspective of people with RAProviding knowledge and skill. This theme delineated rheumatology nursing as providing professional expertise in the planning and delivery of care. The rheumatology nurse-led service included easy access via telephone helpline, consultations with the clinical nurse specialist for assessment of disease activity and care needs, planning of care, disease information and education, supporting self-management, and referral to rheumatologist and the multi-disciplinary team. People with RA highly valued the nurse expertise and specialist knowledge provided at nurse-led clinics.‘She was very good at informing me, so I have only praise for this ... because I have never had it like this before’. (Person with early RA).Using a person-centred approach.This theme showed nurse-led care using a person-centred approach combined with empathy and good communication skills, which created a good therapeutic environment. People with RA appreciated the person-centeredness, empathy and involvement of the nurse. ‘She is very sensitive. She can see if I am feeling bad and comes straight to me and asks: “How are you today?” ...You are treated and taken seriously’. (Person with early RA).Meeting patients‘ care needs. This theme presented nurse-led care as creating a sense of being empowered and psychologically supported in the management of RA and its impact. Nurse-led care made people with RA feel cared for, secure and confident. It added value to rheumatology care and made care complete.‘The thought of sticking a needle into my own stomach... it felt a bit like I would never manage to do that. However, they have been absolutely wonderful here ... and now I can do it myself’. (Person with early RA).Conclusion:Nurse-led care for people with RA is characterised by provision of rheumatology expertise using a person-centred approach, and patients‘ holistic care needs are being met. This study found a dearth of literature on perceptions of nurse-led care in people with early RA, which highlights the need for further research in this population.References:[1]Thomas J, Harden A. Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews.BMC Med Res Methodol2008; 8: 45.Disclosure of Interests:Anne-Marie Tetsche Sweeney: None declared, Candy McCabe: None declared, Caroline Flurey: None declared, Joanna Robson: None declared, Alice Berry: None declared, Pamela Richards: None declared, Mwidimi Ndosi Grant/research support from: Bristol Myers Squibb, Consultant of: Janssen, Pfizer

Systematic review of barriers and enablers to the delivery of palliative care by primary care practitioners

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1131-1145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariko L Carey ◽  
Alison C Zucca ◽  
Megan AG Freund ◽  
Jamie Bryant ◽  
Anne Herrmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Barriers And Enablers ◽  
Primary Care Practitioners

Background: There is increasing demand for primary care practitioners to play a key role in palliative care delivery. Given this, it is important to understand their perceptions of the barriers and enablers to optimal palliative care, and how commonly these are experienced. Aim: To explore the type and prevalence of barriers and enablers to palliative care provision reported by primary care practitioners. Design: A systematic review of quantitative data-based articles was conducted. Data sources: Medline, Embase and PsychINFO databases were searched for articles published between January 2007 and March 2019. Data synthesis: Abstracts were assessed against the eligibility criteria by one reviewer and a random sample of 80 articles were blind coded by a second author. Data were extracted from eligible full-texts by one author and checked by a second. Given the heterogeneity in the included studies’ methods and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The most common barriers related to bureaucratic procedures, communication between healthcare professionals, primary care practitioners’ personal commitments, and their skills or confidence. The most common enablers related to education, nurses and trained respite staff to assist with care delivery, better communication between professionals, and templates to facilitate referral to out-of-hours services. Conclusion: A holistic approach addressing the range of barriers reported in this review is needed to support primary care providers to deliver palliative care. This includes better training and addressing barriers related to the interface between healthcare services.

scholarly journals Experiences of Self-Monitoring in Self-Directed Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance: Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Hartmann-Boyce ◽  
Anne-Marie Boylan ◽  
Susan A. Jebb ◽  
Paul Aveyard
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Weight Loss Maintenance ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
The Impact

The experience and role of self-monitoring in self-directed weight loss attempts may be distinctly different from that within formal interventions, and has yet to be fully explored. We systematically reviewed qualitative studies to examine experiences of self-monitoring as an aid to self-directed weight loss. Thematic synthesis was used to construct descriptive and analytical themes from the available data. In all, 22 studies (681 participants) were included, in which the uses of self-monitoring ranged from an aid to increase adherence to a tool for facilitating analysis. Self-monitoring also influenced and was influenced by self-perception and emotions. Feelings of shame were linked with abandonment of efforts. Findings highlight the centrality of interpretation of self-monitored data, the implications this interpretation has on sense of self, and the impact of broader discourses. Explicitly framing self-monitoring as a positive tool with which to aid analysis may encourage helpful use of this technique.

scholarly journals Influence of significant others on work participation of individuals with chronic diseases: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e021742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole C Snippen ◽  
Haitze J de Vries ◽  
Sylvia J van der Burg-Vermeulen ◽  
Mariët Hagedoorn ◽  
Sandra Brouwer
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Work Participation ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Thematic Synthesis

ObjectiveIt is widely recognised that significant others (SOs), such as a partner, family member or friend, can influence health outcomes of individuals with a chronic disease. However, not much is known about which specific cognitions (ie, illness perceptions and expectation of work ability) and behaviours (eg, emotional and practical support) of SOs influence work participation. Therefore, we aimed to identify cognitions and behaviours of SOs that are related to work participation of individuals with a chronic disease.DesignA systematic review and thematic synthesis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and Web of Science were searched until 28 March 2017.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included studies reporting on cognitions and behaviours of SOs related to work participation in populations with various chronic diseases.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted the data and performed a quality assessment using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies from the Effective Public Health Practice Project 2007 and a checklist for assessment of qualitative studies derived from the Cochrane Supplemental Handbook Guidance. Evidence was thematically synthesised.ResultsOut of 5168 articles, 18 were included (15 qualitative and 3 quantitative) of moderate to high quality. Studies were on cancer, chronic pain, brain injuries and mental health disorders. After thematic synthesis 27 factors could be distinguished. Consistent evidence was found that SOs’ positive and encouraging attitudes regarding work participation, encouragement and motivating behaviour and open communication with patients are facilitators for work participation. Consistently reported barriers were SOs’ positive attitudes towards sickness absence and advise, encouragement or pressure to refrain from work.ConclusionsOur findings show that several cognitions and behaviours of SOs can facilitate or hinder work participation of individuals with a chronic disease. Intervening on these factors by involving SOs in disability prevention and return to work intervention strategies may be beneficial. More prognostic studies are needed, as the current evidence is mostly based on qualitative studies.

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