Can holism be practiced in a biomedical setting? A qualitative study of the integration of complementary medicine to a surgical department

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 585-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Keshet ◽  
Eran Ben-Arye ◽  
Elad Schiff
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Surgical Department ◽  
Professional Groups ◽  
Surgery Department ◽  
Depth Interviews

In recent decades, complementary medicine (CM) has been increasingly integrated to conventional healthcare organizations, in which the biomedical profession clearly maintains dominance. Our objective was to investigate empirically what integration and ‘holism’ mean to the diverse professional groups involved and whether treatment becomes more holistic when CM is integrated. A qualitative study was conducted in a general surgery department at a public hospital in Israel. Data were collected by means of observations of medical encounters and daily work, and 30 in-depth interviews with medical directors, surgeons, senior nurses, CM practitioners and hospitalized patients. We found that most of the interviewed nurses, surgeons and directors and some patients believed that CM treatments were of value in addressing the psychological needs of patients within this predominantly somatic-oriented department. To CM practitioners and some of the patients, integration means introducing and practicing a holistic outlook in this biomedical context, which involves elements such as Qi, energy, soul and spirit. Such practices were directed to a suitable audience, namely, patients as well as conventional medical staff who were willing to explore a holistic approach. We concluded that patient care tends to become more comprehensive when CM is integrated. Despite the overall dominance of biomedicine, holistic CM practices were introduced to the biomedical setting of the hospital. Yet, the question whether holistic CM practices and perceptions will eventually lead nurses and physicians toward paradigmatic integration, has still to be examined.

Cross-disciplinary craftsmanship: The case of child abuse work

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 717-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Davidov ◽  
Laura I Sigad ◽  
Rachel Lev-Wiesel ◽  
Zvi Eisikovits
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Creative Process ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Professional Groups ◽  
Depth Interviews

Child abuse is a complex social problem that cannot be understood from a single disciplinary perspective. Successful intervention requires involvement of various professional groups. While such cooperation has many potential advantages, in practice, it presents challenges to effective intervention. The present study examines the lived experience of professionals in Israel engaging in cross-disciplinary intervention in child abuse. Qualitative data were collected by means of 40 in-depth interviews with professionals, including law enforcement agents, educators, mental health, and medical personnel. Two interrelated dynamics emerged: (a) responsiveness, based on immediacy, and (b) attempts to account for the intervention performed from the specific professional viewpoint of the intervening person and his/her professional belonging. A conceptual model is suggested that reframes child abuse work as an ever-emerging creative process, involving professionals’ attempts to balance the two dynamics in their daily work. Their cross-disciplinary activities are improvisational and situational, involving trial and error. Implications for practice are suggested.

An Exploration of Aftercare Services for Female Drug Users

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Talent Mhangwa ◽  
Madhu Kasiram ◽  
Sibonsile Zibane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Rehabilitation Centre ◽  
Aftercare Services ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Female Drug Users ◽  
Depth Interviews

The number of female drug users has been on the rise in South Africa, with statistics reflecting a rise in the number of women who attend treatment centres annually. This article presents empirical data from a broader qualitative study which aimed to explore perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users. The main data source was transcripts of in-depth interviews and focus groups with both service users and service providers from a designated rehabilitation centre in Gauteng, South Africa. Framed within a biopsychosocial-spiritual model, this article explores the perceptions and meanings which the female recovering drug users and the service providers attach to aftercare programmes. The findings of the research outlined the range of factors promoting recovery, alongside noteworthy suggestions for improvement in aftercare services. While acknowledging multiple influences on behaviour, this article highlights the significance of these findings in planning and implementing holistic aftercare programmes.

scholarly journals Understanding the Occupational Adaptation Process and Well-Being of Older Adults in Magallanes (Chile): A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Palma ­Candia ◽  
Hueso­Montoro ◽  
Martí-García ◽  
Fernández-Alcántara ◽  
Campos-Calderón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Adaptation Process ◽  
Occupational Adaptation ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Interpretative Approach ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Aging and longevity are important topics nowadays. Purpose: To describe how older adults perform the occupational adaptation process in the extreme region of Magallanes (Chile), and to identify the factors that might contribute to successful occupational adaptation and well-being. Method: Qualitative study, with a phenomenological interpretative approach. In-depth interviews were carried out with 16 older adults, with high or low levels of well-being, assessed with the Ryff Scale. An inductive content analysis according to Elo and Kyngäs was performed. Findings: Resilience, self-esteem and interdependence with significant others are key elements that promote well-being. Participants develop strategies to minimize the effects of environmental factors. The occupation’s function in terms of socialization, use of time, and social participation is revealed as a conditioning factor of occupational adaptation. Implications: Interventions with older people to achieve a successful occupational adaptation process must take into consideration the commitment to meaningful activities.

scholarly journals Social purpose in an organization from the perspective of an employee: a self-determination outlook on the meaning of work

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malwina Puchalska-Kamińska ◽  
Agnieszka Łądka-Barańska ◽  
Marta Roczniewska
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Basic Psychological Needs ◽  
Meaning Of Work ◽  
Voluntary Work ◽  
Social Purpose ◽  
Business Goals ◽  
Human Need ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Objective Advancing social purpose in organizations is usually studied from the macro perspective, i.e., how it benefits organizational business goals or society more broadly. In this paper, we focus on social purpose from the perspective of the employee and propose that advancing social purpose in an organization allows individuals to fulfil an important human need for the meaning of work (MW). This study’s objective was to assess whether a volunteering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in a manufacturing company allows employees to fulfil their basic psychological needs for relatedness, competence, and autonomy. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with 15 employees and an analysis of artifacts. Results In the analysis, three main themes describing different aspects of voluntary work at the company were identified. We found that across all groups of interviewed employees the voluntary activities served the needs of (1) relatedness, (2) competence, and (3) autonomy. We conclude that CSR programs have the most positive impact on MW when they allow employees to engage in prosocial actions and satisfy those needs.

scholarly journals The challenges of donor engagement with faith-based organizations in Cameroon’s health sector: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibylle Herzig van Wees ◽  
Michael Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
International Development ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
The Past ◽  
Faith Based Organizations ◽  
The Government ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Substantial global advocacy efforts have been made over the past decade to encourage partnerships and funding of faith-based organizations in international development programmes in efforts to improve social and health outcomes. Whilst there is a wealth of knowledge on religion and development, including its controversies, less attention has been payed to the role that donors might play. The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the engagement between donors and faith-based organizations in Cameroon’s health sector, following the implementation of the Cameroon Health Sector Partnership Strategy (2012). Forty-six in-depth interviews were conducted in selected regions in Cameroon. The findings show that global advocacy efforts to increase partnerships with faith-based organizations have created a space for increasing donor engagement of faith-based organizations following the implementation of the strategy. However, the policy was perceived as top down as it did not take into account some of the existing challenges. The policy arguably accentuated some of the existing tensions between the government and faith-based organizations, fed faith-controversies and complicated the health system landscape. Moreover, it provided donors with a framework for haphazard engagement with faith-based organizations. As such, putting the implications of donor engagement with FBOs on the research map acknowledges the limitations of efforts to collaborate with faith-based organizations and brings to the surface still-remaining blinkers and limited assumptions in donor definitions of faith-based organizations and in ways of collaborating with them.

Managing different forms of distances in Dutch healthcare organizations

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1080-1097
Author(s):  
Annemiek Stoopendaal
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Organization ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Healthcare Executives ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – Dichotomous “gap” thinking about professionals and managers has important limits. The purpose of this paper is to study the specific ontology of “the gap” in which different forms of distances are defined. Design/methodology/approach – In order to deepen the knowledge of the actual day-to-day tasks of Dutch healthcare executives an ethnographic study of the daily work of Dutch healthcare executives and an ontological exploration of the concept “gap” was provided. The study empirically investigates the meaning given to the concept of “distance” in healthcare governance practices. Findings – The study reveals that healthcare executives have to fulfil a dual role of maintaining distance and creating proximity. Coping with different forms of distances seems to be an integral part of their work. They make use of four potential mechanisms to cope with distance in their healthcare organization practices. Originality/value – The relationship between managers and professionals is often defined as a dichotomous gap. The findings in this research suggest a more dynamic picture of the relationship between managers and professionals than is currently present in literature. This study moves “beyond” the gap and investigates processes of distancing in-depth.

Exploring Interpersonal Relationship of Female Patients with Persistent Depressive Disorder: A Qualitative Study with a Phenomenological Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Asadollahi ◽  
Hamid Taher Neshat Doost ◽  
Mohammad Reza Abedi ◽  
Hamid Afshar Zanjani
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Interpersonal Relationship ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Chronic Problem ◽  
Persistent Depressive Disorder

Background: Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a chronic problem that is more prevalent among women than men. Various studies have revealed that these people experience many problems in their interpersonal relationships, which increase their suffering. Objectives: The present study was done to identify how people suffering from PDD experience interpersonal relationships that often seem troubled and broken. Methods: A phenomenological approach was adopted for this qualitative study. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 individuals with PDD, focusing on exploring their experience and suffering in interpersonal relationships. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the transcripts were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological descriptive method. Results: In general, five main themes and 16 sub-themes emerged. The main themes were: (1) Feeling empty of love and compassion; (2) feeling ignored; (3) ignoring others’ needs, conditions, and suffering; (4) feeling of being annoying to others; and (5) feeling confused and helpless in relationships. Conclusions: It seems that all five themes convey the message that these individuals demonstrate less skill in feeling compassion and receiving it from others. Therefore, it appears that long-term compassion-based interventions can effectively reduce the interpersonal suffering of these individuals. It should be noted that although these themes have commonalities in different cultural contexts, the culture can influence the content and intensity of these feelings.

scholarly journals A Relational Perspective on Social Support Between Bereaved and Their Networks After Terror: A Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 233339361879207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Dyregrov ◽  
Pål Kristensen ◽  
Atle Dyregrov
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Terror Attack ◽  
Network Support ◽  
Relational Perspective ◽  
Social Network Support ◽  
Stressful Experiences ◽  
Relational Regulation ◽  
Depth Interviews

The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of social network support after traumatic deaths and, by demonstrating the complexities of such encounters, to highlight whether such support may be totally beneficial. A phenomenological dynamic and relational perspective was applied to 22 in-depth interviews with parents bereaved as a result of the 2011 terror attack in Norway. Three main themes were identified in respect of interactional support processes: (a) valued support, (b) stressful experiences, and (c) interactive barriers. As well as describing the value of experienced support, the article also elaborates on the effect of lacking, avoidant, and inept support. The findings show that insecure communication and a nonmatching understanding of time and emotional overload can form interactive barriers between the bereaved and their networks. By better understanding the relational regulation processes inherent in social support we may provide informed advice to both the bereaved and their networks to maximize recovery.

scholarly journals Difficulties and motivations for physical exercise in women older than 65 years. A qualitative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolanda López-Benavente ◽  
José Arnau-Sánchez ◽  
Tania Ros-Sánchez ◽  
Mª Beatriz Lidón-Cerezuela ◽  
Araceli Serrano-Noguera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Phenomenological Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Depth Interviews

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify difficulties and motivations for the practice of physical exercise in women older than 65 years. Method: qualitative study based on the phenomenological theory, with focus groups and in-depth interviews. The nursing staff selected 15 women by intentional sampling using the following criteria: age, time dedicated to physical exercise, independence, and absence of cognitive impairment and contraindication for this activity. Two focus groups were formed (one of them did physical exercise for less than 150 minutes per week and the other at least 150 minutes per week) in addition to conducting five in-depth interviews. Qualitative analysis of the data was performed through transcription, coding, categorization, and verification of results. Results: the difficulties to start and develop physical exercise were circumscribed to the perception of poor health and lack of free time; both circumstances result from care obligation, being represented as a gender imposition. However, the motivations are related to perception of strength, need for socialization, and perception of autonomy and freedom. Conclusions: the ideological representation of gender determines the women’s decision to exercise. Knowing the meaning and significance that women give to health and their role in the socio-family environment allows nurses to develop relationships and interventions to encourage the practice of physical exercise.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document