scholarly journals Experiences of participation in bereavement groups from significant others’ perspectives; A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Näppä ◽  
Kerstin Björkman Randström
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Control Synthesis ◽  
Bereavement Support ◽  
Loved One ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: When death ends a life, the impact of caring for person who suffered a period of illness or disease continues for significant others who are left to grieve. They should be offered support to avoid complicated grief. This can be provided in different ways and individually or in groups. This study aims to describe significant others’ experiences of participation in bereavement groups. Methods: Ten bereavement groups that each met five times offered support for the significant others of deceased loved ones who had been cared for by a palliative-care team. After the five meetings, the grieving members (n=46) completed written comments about the role of the groups; they also commented one year after participating (n=39). Comments were analyzed with qualitative content analysis with a directed approach using the theory of a good death according to the 6S’s: self-image, self-determination, social relationships, symptom control, synthesis and summation, and surrender. Results: Bereavement groups were found to be a source for alleviating grief for some significant others, but not all experienced relief. Moreover, grief was found to persist during participation. Another finding involved the impact of the role of the palliative home-care team on bereavement support. To evaluate the experience of participating in a bereavement group, the use the 6S’s as a model was a strength of the analysis. Bereavement groups could enhance the self and offer relief from grief. Participation was described as social relationships that offered a sense of coherence and understanding in grief. The effects of participation were more meaningful close to the loss and could lose efficacy over time. Bereavement support provided before a loved one’s death was seen as valuable.Conclusion: Overall, the bereavement groups eased the grief of significant others close to the death of their loved one. However, moving forward, several of the significant others were not sure that their participation eased their grief. To identify persons who may remain in a state of complicated grief, a routine of planned contacts with the bereaved should begin before death and be followed up later than six months after the death of a loved one.

scholarly journals Experiences of participation in bereavement groups from significant others’ perspectives: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Näppä ◽  
Kerstin Björkman Randström
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Control Synthesis ◽  
Bereavement Support ◽  
Loved One ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: When death ends a life, the impact of caring for person who suffered a period of illness or disease continues for significant others who are left to grieve. They should be offered support to avoid complicated grief. This can be provided in different ways and individually or in groups. This study aims to describe significant others’ experiences of participation in bereavement groups. Methods: Ten bereavement groups that each met five times offered support for the significant others of deceased loved ones who had been cared for by a palliative-care team. After the five meetings, the grieving members (n=46) completed written comments about the role of the groups; they also commented one year after participating (n=39). Comments were analyzed with qualitative content analysis with a directed approach using the theory of a good death according to the 6S’s: self-image, self-determination, social relationships, symptom control, synthesis and summation, and surrender. Results: Bereavement groups were found to be a source for alleviating grief for some significant others, but not all experienced relief. Moreover, grief was found to persist during participation. Another finding involved the impact of the role of the palliative home-care team on bereavement support. To evaluate the experience of participating in a bereavement group, the use the 6S’s as a model was a strength of the analysis. Bereavement groups could enhance the self and offer relief from grief. Participation was described as social relationships that offered a sense of coherence and understanding in grief. The effects of participation were more meaningful close to the loss and could lose efficacy over time. Bereavement support provided before a loved one’s death was seen as valuable.Conclusion: Overall, the bereavement groups eased the grief of significant others close to the death of their loved one. However, moving forward, several of the significant others were not sure that their participation eased their grief. To identify persons who may remain in a state of complicated grief, a routine of planned contacts with the bereaved should begin before death and be followed up later than six months after the death of a loved one.

scholarly journals Experiences of participation in bereavement groups from significant others’ perspectives

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Näppä ◽  
Kerstin Björkman Randström
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Control Synthesis ◽  
Bereavement Support ◽  
Loved One ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background When death ends a life, the impact of caring for person who suffered a period of illness or disease continues for significant others who are left to grieve. They should be offered support to avoid complicated grief. This can be provided in different ways and individually or in groups. This study aims to describe significant others’ experiences of participation in bereavement groups. Methods Ten bereavement groups that each met five times offered support for the significant others of deceased loved ones who had been cared for by a palliative-care team. After the five meetings, the grieving members completed written comments about the role of the groups; they also commented one year after participating. Comments were analyzed qualitatively using the theory of a good death according to the 6S’s: self-image, self-determination, social relationships, symptom control, synthesis and summation, and surrender. Results Bereavement groups were found to be a source for alleviating grief for some significant others, but not all experienced relief. Moreover, grief was found to persist during participation. Another finding involved the impact of the role of the palliative home-care team on bereavement support. To evaluate the experience of participating in a bereavement group, the use the 6S’s as a model was a strength of the analysis. Bereavement groups could enhance the self and offer relief from grief. Participation was described as social relationships that offered a sense of coherence and understanding in grief. The effects of participation were more meaningful close to the loss and could lose efficacy over time. Bereavement support provided before a loved one’s death was seen as valuable. Conclusion Overall, the bereavement groups eased the grief of significant others close to the death of their loved one. However, moving forward, several of the significant others were not sure that their participation eased their grief. To identify persons who may remain in a state of complicated grief, a routine of planned contacts with the bereaved should begin before death and be followed up later than six months after the death of a loved one.

scholarly journals Well-Being and Loneliness in Swiss Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Social Relationships

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birthe Macdonald ◽  
Gizem Hülür
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Functional Feature ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and Objectives The current COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures are an extreme stressor that might result in negative emotional experiences and feelings of loneliness. However, it is possible that social relationships might have a protective effect. In the present study, we examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected older adults’ well-being and loneliness, and the role of structural and functional characteristics of social relationships. Research Design and Methods We use data from 99 older adults in Switzerland who participated (a) in a three-week micro-longitudinal study on social relationships and well-being in 2019 and (b) in a weekly online survey during four weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. Results Our findings show that the global pandemic had substantial adverse effects on older adults’ emotional well-being and loneliness. In addition, aspects of social relationships were related to loneliness both before and during the pandemic. Only one functional feature of social relationships (satisfaction with communication during the pandemic) buffered adverse effects of the major stressful event. Discussion and Implications Although the social distancing measures during COVID-19 presented a major stressor for older adults’ well-being and loneliness, being able to maintain social communication to a satisfactory level during that time reduced this effect. Therefore, enabling older adults to stay in touch with their social circle based on their personal preferences might reduce the impact that any future lockdown might have on their well-being.

A Live Simulation-Based Investigation: Interactions with Clients and Their Effect on Audit Judgment and Professional Skepticism

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared Eutsler ◽  
Anne E. Norris ◽  
Gregory M. Trompeter
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Psychology Research ◽  
Professional Skepticism ◽  
Audit Judgment ◽  
The Social ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Construct Accessibility ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARY Threats to professional skepticism are embedded in the social relationships and interactions between auditors and management. These can affect auditor skepticism and the extent of audit procedures performed. In this study, we conduct an experiment using live simulation to create a realistic audit setting to investigate the effect of these interactions on professional skepticism. Each participant (n = 49) completed a measure of trait skepticism and conducted an audit interview with a professional actor trained to play the role of a client controller. Findings indicate that, in general, participants who interview a friendly controller (rather than an intimidating controller) are less likely to determine questionable cash disbursements to be control exceptions and less likely to recommend more intensive follow-up. However, consistent with social psychology research on construct accessibility, planned contrasts indicate that participants who score low on trait skepticism are least likely to identify control exceptions and recommend more intensive follow-up when interviewing a friendly controller. This study advances research on professional skepticism by examining the impact that type of social interaction (friendly, intimidating) has on professional skepticism using a methodology (live simulation) that allows us to simulate a realistic audit environment. Use of this methodology increases external validity and generalizability of our findings. As a result, this study corroborates concerns that the social relationships/interactions between management and the auditor can be a threat to professional skepticism, and allows us to understand better how, when, and where these threats occur.

scholarly journals Outpatient Management of Asthma in Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. CMPed.S7867 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Schultz ◽  
Andrew C. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Options ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Asthma Severity ◽  
Pediatric Health Care ◽  
Asthma Symptoms ◽  
Inhaled Therapy ◽  
The Impact

The principal aims of asthma management in childhood are to obtain symptom control that allows individuals to engage in unrestricted physical activities and to normalize lung function. These aims should be achieved using the fewest possible medications. Ensuring a correct diagnosis is the first priority. The mainstay of asthma management remains pharmacotherapy. Various treatment options are discussed. Asthma monitoring includes the regular assessment of asthma severity and asthma control, which then informs decisions regarding the stepping up or stepping down of therapy. Delivery systems and devices for inhaled therapy are discussed, as are the factors influencing adherence to prescribed treatment. The role of the pediatric health care provider is to establish a functional partnership with the child and their family in order to minimize the impact of asthma symptoms and exacerbations during childhood.

scholarly journals Palliative Radiotherapy with or without Additional Care by a Multidisciplinary Palliative Care Team: A Retrospective Comparison

ISRN Oncology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Carsten Nieder ◽  
Kent Angelo ◽  
Astrid Dalhaug ◽  
Adam Pawinski ◽  
Gro Aandahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Palliative Radiotherapy ◽  
Palliative Care Team ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Dose Fractionation ◽  
Poor Performance Status ◽  
Pattern Of Care ◽  
The Impact

Purpose. To analyze pattern of care and survival after palliative radiotherapy (RT) in patients managed exclusively by regular oncology staff or a multidisciplinary palliative care team (MPCT) in addition. Methods. Retrospective analysis of 522 RT courses. Comparison of Two Groups: MPCT versus none. Results. We analyzed 140 RT courses (27%) with MPCT care and 382 without it. The following statistically significant differences were observed: 33% of female patients had MPCT care versus only 23% of male patients and 37% of patients <65 years had MPCT care versus only 22% of older patients. MPCT patients were more likely to have poor performance status and liver metastases. In the MPCT group steroid and opioid use was significantly more common. Dose-fractionation regimens were similar. Median survival was significantly shorter in the MPCT group, 3.9 versus 6.9 months. In multivariate analysis, MPCT care was not associated with survival. Adjusted for confounders, MPCT care reduced the likelihood of incomplete RT by 33%, P>0.05. Conclusions. Patterns of referral and care differed, for example, regarding age and medication use. It seems possible that MPCT care reduces likelihood of incomplete RT. Therefore, the impact of MPCT care on symptom control should be investigated and objective referral criteria should be developed.

scholarly journals Carers’ views on autism and eating disorders comorbidity: qualitative study

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Adamson ◽  
Emma Kinnaird ◽  
Danielle Glennon ◽  
Madeleine Oakley ◽  
Kate Tchanturia
Keyword(s):  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Autism Diagnosis ◽  
Interview Schedule ◽  
Loved One ◽  
The Impact

Background Patients with co-occurring anorexia nervosa and autism respond differently to eating disorder treatments. Previous interviews with patients with both conditions and clinicians working in eating disorder services has highlighted service and treatment adaptations might be beneficial and could improve outcomes for these individuals. Aims The aim of this study was to explore carers’ experiences of current treatment approaches for people with autism who have anorexia nervosa, and their views on how these can be improved. Method Ten carers of a loved one diagnosed with autism and anorexia nervosa were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule and the transcripts were analysed with thematic analysis. Results Four key themes emerged from the interviews: the role of autism in anorexia nervosa, carers’ problems with clinical services, the impact on carers and suggestions for future improvements. Conclusions Carers agreed that autism played a significant role in the development and maintenance of their daughters’ anorexia nervosa. However, this comorbidity does not appear to be appropriately addressed in current treatment provisions. They described several difficulties, including problems getting an autism diagnosis and the perception that eating disorder services did not accept or adapt around the condition. This resulted in feelings of frustration and isolation for families, a scenario exacerbated by a perceived lack of support or specific resources for carers of individuals on the autism spectrum. Clinical recommendations on the basis of the current and previous studies are outlined.

scholarly journals Food poverty and youth work – A community response

2021 ◽  
pp. 026101832199653
Author(s):  
Jon Ord ◽  
Annie Monks
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Food Policy ◽  
Community Response ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Youth Work ◽  
Youth Workers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Impact

This article discusses the findings of a small-scale study investigating the impact of food poverty on youth work in community based open access settings. It documents the growing impact of food poverty on the role of youth work in deprived communities and explores the role youth workers play in addressing it. Firstly this ‘community response’ addresses the issue of food poverty in localities where it arises. However, it not only meets basic needs, but it also helps build social capital by enacting important social relationships associated with food by ‘eating together’. Such responses also have the potential to combat stigma and abjection through the creation of critical consciousness and political education. The research also highlights the need for greater coordination of this response and for youth centres to be less isolated from other services. Finally, the legacy of food policy within youth work is highlighted, previously dominated by a focus on healthy eating since Every Child Matters (2003). Post austerity, for many communities the concern is simply ‘eating’!

Impact of primary care providers (PCPs) on care receipt and satisfaction in adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13512-e13512
Author(s):  
Eric Hess ◽  
Amanda Marie Parkes
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Long Term Survivors ◽  
Active Patients

e13512 Background: While there has been ongoing work to define the role of primary care providers (PCPs) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivorship models, little has been done to understand the role of PCPs earlier in the care continuum. As PCP-shared models of care have been theorized to help address morbidity related to the physical and psychosocial effects of cancer and its treatment, there is a need to better understand the impact of PCPs on AYAs. Given this, we sought to study the influence of PCPs in the care of AYAs with cancer, comparing care receipt and satisfaction during treatment versus in survivorship. Methods: Electronic health record query identified adult AYA cancer patients 19-39 years with at least two visits at the University of Wisconsin from 3/30/2019-3/29/2020. Identified patients were sent an electronic survey to assess care team members and impact on care. Responses were categorized based on patient-reported presence of a PCP as part of their cancer care team. For the data analysis, all patients who did not self-identify as long-term survivors, defined as 5+ years since diagnosis, were defined as active patients. Given survey answers were not mandated for all questions, the denominator was unique for each question. Results: We found a minority of AYAs responding to our survey considered a PCP as part of their cancer care team (71/173, 41%). PCP presence led to improved satisfaction in all AYAs with addressing the impact of diagnosis/treatment on peer interactions and independence, with 67% (45/67) AYAs with a PCP very or some satisfied versus 55% (53/97) without a PCP. PCPs also decreased the likelihood that supportive care services weren’t received by patients due to a lack of knowledge of the services, seen in 64% (56/88) AYAs without a PCP versus 52% (32/62) with a PCP. As seen in table, there were several findings suggesting that PCP involvement in AYA care was more critical to active patients than long-term survivors, including supportive care service receipt and satisfaction with such services. Conclusions: Overall, we found PCP involvement on cancer care teams was important for AYAs defined as both active patients and long-term survivors. Despite this, less than half of all patients identified PCPs as part of their care team. Our data suggest PCP-shared models of cancer care may improve care utilization and satisfaction in AYAs and support efforts to incorporate PCPs as meaningful members of the care team throughout all phases of care. Survey responses based on PCP inclusion as cancer care team member and patient treatment status.[Table: see text]

Commentary: The Reluctant Surrogate

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-333
Author(s):  
Thomas Foreman
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Advance Care Planning ◽  
Clinical Ethics ◽  
Ethics Consultation ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Regulatory Landscape

An individual’s hesitance or outright refusal to function as a substitute decisionmaker creates a number of challenges for treating teams, as is highlighted by the case of KS. It is not uncommon for individuals who suddenly find themselves in the role of substitute decisionmaker (SDM) to experience feelings of inadequacy or of being overwhelmed. The natural apprehension that comes with realizing, or being informed, that you are now responsible for providing or refusing consent on behalf of a loved one is often exacerbated by the accompanying circumstances. Even though there are movements afoot to encourage and support advance care planning and the inclusion of those who will become SDMs in conversations about values and wishes, there is still much work to be done. Although the case as presented does not provide information regarding what, if any, processes have taken place prior to the current hospital admission with regard to including the patient’s sister in discussions about future circumstances, it is clear that the sister feels unprepared to assume the role being thrust upon her. What, then, does a clinical ethics consultation have to offer in such situations? The following discussion highlights three ways in which ethics consultation can be of value to both the treating team and the identified SDM: ethics consultation (1) helps the care team and SDM navigate the regulatory landscape, (2) supports the treating team, and (3) supports the SDM.

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