The experience of returning home after surviving cardiac arrest: A narrative inquiry

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 188-196
Author(s):  
Gunilla Haydon ◽  
Pamela van der Riet ◽  
Kerry Inder
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Narrative Inquiry ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Cardiac Arrest Survivor ◽  
Returning Home ◽  
Return Home ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Transition Home

Surviving a cardiac arrest is a tumultuous experience. Although the incidence of cardiac arrest and influencing factors are well researched, little is known of survivors’ experiences as they return home from hospital. This article aims to explore survivors’ experiences of returning home after surviving a cardiac arrest. Four females and 13 males, all independently living cardiac arrest survivors, were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling techniques and participated in individual in-depth interviews over a six-month period. This inquiry follows COREQ guidelines and data were analysed using narrative inquiry where key threads were identified. Findings indicate that a cardiac arrest is a catastrophic event where the survivor has to accept and adjust mentally, physically and socially, often leading to insecurity about the future. The cardiac arrest impacts all aspects of life on return home, including the ability to work and to drive, accepting added medical appointments and medication regimens. Healthcare professionals can learn from survivors’ narratives to support holistic care, considering survivors’ experiences in their transition home and back to reality as a cardiac arrest survivor.

Long-term survivors of cardiac arrest: A narrative inquiry

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 458-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunilla Haydon ◽  
Pamela van der Riet ◽  
Kerry Inder
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Narrative Inquiry ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Loss Of Control ◽  
Cardiac Health ◽  
Cardiac Arrest Survivor ◽  
Long Term Survivors

Background: Despite extensive knowledge and research in cardiac health there is limited understanding in how a cardiac arrest influences the life of long-term survivors. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore how long-term survivors of a cardiac arrest adjusted to their new reality, expressed in their re-storied narratives. Methods: Seven individuals surviving a cardiac arrest 5–26 years ago were interviewed through in-depth conversations over a six-month period. These interviews were analysed using Clandinin and Connelly’s framework of narrative inquiry. Results: Seven threads were found: Disbelief, Surveillance of their body, Loss of control and desire for normality, Keeping fit and informing others, Gratefulness, Spirituality – luck and fate, and Fragility of life and dying. Conclusions: All seven long-term survivors of cardiac arrest expressed a positive attitude. Despite the nature of the cardiac arrest and the hurdles that followed, they have a heightened appreciation for life. This indicates that after the adaptation to their new reality of being a cardiac arrest survivor life returns to a new normality.

Insights from the coalface: barriers to accessing medicines and pharmacy services for resettled refugees from Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Bellamy ◽  
Remo Ostini ◽  
Nataly Martini ◽  
Therese Kairuz
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Pharmacy Services ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Limited Health Literacy ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Depth Interviews

Resettled refugees in Australia have been shown to exhibit a high prevalence of limited health literacy and are at greater risk of mismanaging their medication and not being able to access the healthcare services they need. The aim of the current study is to explore the barriers to accessing medicines and pharmacy services in Queensland, Australia, among resettled refugees from Africa; this research was conducted from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and people who help the refugees to resettle in their adopted country (resettlement workers). A ‘generic qualitative’ approach was used in this study. In-depth interviews were conducted among healthcare professionals (two GPs, nine pharmacists and three nurse practitioners) and resettlement workers. Participants were recruited via a purposive snowball sampling method in the cities of Brisbane and Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Twenty-four in-depth interviews were conducted; 14 with healthcare professionals. Three key themes emerged from the data: (1) Communication Barriers; (2) Navigating the Health System; and (3) Belief Systems and Culture. Perceptions of those ‘at the coalface’ – healthcare professionals and people who are responsible for assisting refugees to resettle in Australia – provide insight into the language and cultural challenges experienced by resettled refugees from Africa regarding access to the Australian health system, including medicines and pharmacy services.

scholarly journals Sexual healthcare professionals’ views on the rapid provision of remote services at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110230
Author(s):  
Alexandria Lunt ◽  
Carrie Llewellyn ◽  
Jake Bayley ◽  
Tom Nadarzynski
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Remote Services ◽  
Sexual Healthcare

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures forced sexual health services to engage with patients remotely. We aimed to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to the provision of digital sexual health services during the first months of the pandemic. Methods: An online survey and qualitative interviews with UK sexual healthcare professionals recruited online and via snowball sampling were conducted in May–July 2020. Results: Amongst 177 respondents (72% female, 86% White, mean age = 46, SD = 9), most utilised telephone and email as their main communication channels; however, their perceived effectiveness varied (94% and 66%, respectively). Most agreed that staff needed additional training (89%), the available technology was not adequate (66%) and health professionals were hesitant to provide online consultations (46%). They had positive attitudes towards digitalisation, improving service quality and cost-effectiveness but were concerned about exacerbating health inequalities. Discussion: The study identifies a need for clear guidelines and training around the use of digital tools as well as a demand for investment in hardware and software required for the provision of remote services. Future research needs to explore the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of various digital tools to narrow health inequalities in sexual health service users.

scholarly journals Student motivations for studying criminology: A narrative inquiry

2021 ◽  
pp. 174889582199384
Author(s):  
Julie Trebilcock ◽  
Clare Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Inquiry ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Aspirations ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Helping Others ◽  
Student Motivations ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Criminology Students

The number of students studying criminology at university has significantly increased. Yet, criminology students have been all but ignored in research, despite being key stakeholders and ambassadors in the criminological enterprise. Drawing on the analysis of 12 in-depth interviews, we explore why students are motivated to study criminology and how these motivations are linked to their past experiences and future aspirations. Using a narrative inquiry, three types of stories emerged through our analysis: stories about (1) building on existing interests, (2) understanding the ‘self’, and (3) securing ‘justice’ and ‘helping’ others. The stories students tell about their exposure to ‘crime’ help motivate their decision to study criminology, while their engagement with the discipline, enables them to make sense of these previous experiences and of themselves.

Gendered Lending Practices: Enabling South African Women Entrepreneurs to Access Start-Up Capital

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 313-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Derera ◽  
Pepukayi Chitakunye ◽  
Charles O'Neill ◽  
Amandeep Tarkhar-Lail
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
African Women ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Start Up ◽  
South African Women ◽  
Depth Interviews

This study explores gendered lending and marketing practices of start-up capital to women entrepreneurs in South Africa. A multi-method research design, comprising of 6 in-depth interviews with experts, and a survey of 50 women entrepreneurs was adopted using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, respectively. The findings revealed that women entrepreneurs are experiencing gendered discriminatory practices embedded in lending practices used by financial institutions, thereby discouraging them to venture into non-traditional industries. Whilst financial providers may know their products well, many emerging women entrepreneurs in South Africa may find it difficult and costly to obtain information on the thousands of financial products available. Hence, women entrepreneurs resort to taking greater risks than necessary in order to get their businesses off the ground. Educating women on financial matters is extremely important if South Africa is to benefit fully from the untapped entrepreneurial talent that women possess. The study adds voice to the discriminatory lending practices faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Future research could explore the feasibility of establishing a financial institution which caters specifically for the needs of women.

scholarly journals Protective and Risk Factors of Italian Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Amalia De Leo ◽  
Eloisa Cianci ◽  
Paolo Mastore ◽  
Caterina Gozzoli
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Interpersonal Level

The COVID-19 pandemic put the Italian health system under great stress. The sudden reorganization of work practices and the emotional impact of the large number of the victims had many consequences on the well-being of the healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in managing the crisis. In the available literature, most studies have focused on the risk aspects while only few studies also take into account protective factors. For this reason, it was decided to conduct, within psycho-sociological perspective, a qualitative study with the aim to explore in depth the protective and risk factors as experienced by HCPs who worked in the Italian healthcare system during the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs–9 nurses and 10 physicians (7M and 12F) with an average age of 43 (SD = 13.4)–selected using snowball sampling. Considering three different levels of analysis the results highlight the protective and risk factors: personal history level (intrinsic/ethical motivation and flexible role versus extrinsic motivation and static role), interpersonal level (perception of supportive relationships with colleagues, patients, and family versus bad relationships), and organizational level (good leadership and sustainable work purpose versus absence of support from management and undefined or confused tasks).

scholarly journals Neuroprognostication of Cardiac Arrest Patients: Outcomes of Importance

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (06) ◽  
pp. 775-784
Author(s):  
Tobias Cronberg
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Vegetative State ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Cognitive Difficulties ◽  
Cardiac Arrest Survivor ◽  
Chain Of Survival ◽  
Quality Decision ◽  
Improved Methods

AbstractDuring the last two decades, survival rates after cardiac arrest have increased while the fraction of patients surviving with a severe neurological disability or vegetative state has decreased in many countries. While improved survival is due to improvements in the whole “chain of survival,” improved methods for prognostication of neurological outcome may be of major importance for the lower disability rates. Patients who are resuscitated and treated in intensive care will die mainly from the withdrawal of life-sustaining (WLST) therapy due to presumed poor chances of meaningful neurological recovery. To ensure high-quality decision-making and to reduce the risk of premature withdrawal of care, implementation of local protocols is crucial and should be guided by international recommendations. Despite rigorous neurological prognostication, cognitive impairment and related psychological distress and reduced participation in society will still be relevant concerns for cardiac arrest survivors. The commonly used outcome measures are not designed to provide information on these domains. Follow-up of the cardiac arrest survivor needs to consider the cardiovascular burden as an important factor to prevent cognitive difficulties and future decline.

scholarly journals Perspectives on the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccination among Somali Mothers in Stockholm

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asha Jama ◽  
Mona Ali ◽  
Ann Lindstrand ◽  
Robb Butler ◽  
Asli Kulane
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Mmr Vaccine ◽  
Rubella Vaccination ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Vaccination hesitancy and skepticism among parents hinders progress in achieving full vaccination coverage. Swedish measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage is high however some areas with low vaccination coverage risk outbreaks. This study aimed to explore factors influencing the decision of Somali parents living in the Rinkeby and Tensta districts of Stockholm, Sweden, on whether or not to vaccinate their children with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Method: Participants were 13 mothers of at least one child aged 18 months to 5 years, who were recruited using snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted in Somali and Swedish languages and the data generated was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Both written and verbal informed consent were obtained from participants. Results: Seven of the mothers had not vaccinated their youngest child at the time of the study and decided to postpone the vaccination until their child became older (delayers). The other six mothers had vaccinated their child for MMR at the appointed time (timely vaccinators). The analysis of the data revealed two main themes: (1) barriers to vaccinate on time, included issues surrounding fear of the child not speaking and unpleasant encounters with nurses and (2) facilitating factors to vaccinate on time, included heeding vaccinating parents’ advice, trust in nurses and trust in God. The mothers who had vaccinated their children had a positive impact in influencing other mothers to also vaccinate. Conclusions: Fear, based on the perceived risk that vaccination will lead to autism, among Somali mothers in Tensta and Rinkeby is evident and influenced by the opinions of friends and relatives. Child Healthcare Center nurses are important in the decision-making process regarding acceptance of MMR vaccination. There is a need to address mothers’ concerns regarding vaccine safety while improving the approach of nurses as they address these concerns.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of the industrial-organisational psychologist as counsellor

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanri Barkhuizen ◽  
Lené I. Jorgensen ◽  
Lizelle Brink
Keyword(s):  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Short Term ◽  
North West ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Counselling Interventions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Orientation: Industrial-organisational (I-O) psychologists are often confronted with counselling interventions in the workplace and thus it is vital that they are effectively prepared for their role as workplace counsellors.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to review the role of I-O psychologists as counsellors and to ascertain whether these practitioners are effectively prepared for this purpose.Motivation for the study: I-O psychologists are mainly concerned with the deep-rooted problems individuals experience in the workplace, and they therefore need appropriate counselling skills. However, it is not clear whether graduates in this discipline receive adequate training for this role.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research design with convenience and snowball sampling of 22 participants was utilised. Participants were practising I-O psychologists across Gauteng and North West (South Africa). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to gather data, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.Main findings: Participants were familiar with the meaning of counselling and confirmed that they are faced with a range of counselling situations requiring a unique set of skills and competencies. Based on these findings, participants made recommendations for the future training of I-O psychologists and recommended that counselling be included in the scope of practice of I-O psychologists.Practical/managerial implications: The role of the I-O psychologist requires training in short-term therapeutic techniques and counselling in tertiary education.Contribution/value-add: The study clarifies the role of the I-O psychologist as a counsellor that will ensure that I-O psychologists can be trained more effectively for this role.

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