scholarly journals Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Support for Family Members in Specialist Palliative Care Inpatient Units – a Qualitative Descriptive Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anu Soikkeli-Jalonen ◽  
Kaisa Mishina ◽  
Heli Virtanen ◽  
Andreas Charalambous ◽  
Elina Haavisto
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Inpatient Units

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions of the support for family members (FMs) of palliative care cancer patients in specialist palliative inpatient units. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was applied. The data were collected with focus group interviews and analysed with inductive content analysis.Results: Information sharing was recognised as an essential element of support. Also, emotional support, discussions and additional support were offered. Practices to improve support of FMs included a possibility to allocate recourses to the families, systematic support and strengthening HCPs’ competence in family care. Conclusions: The opportunities to implement support focusing directly on FMs were described as restricted. Organisational resources were limited in inpatient units. HCPs felt that they did not have enough time to spend with FMs, and the facilities were also not always suitable to support FMs’ presence and participation. Therefore, there is a need for systematic support and interventions for FMs that could be implemented in inpatient units by the HCPs as a part of the daily care. Furthermore, additional training for the HCPs in palliative family care is needed.

Challenges of being new to Canada: considerations for physical activity

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley D. Curtin ◽  
Christina C. Loitz ◽  
Nancy Spencer-Cavaliere ◽  
Ernest Nene Khalema
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Multicultural Health

Immigrants to Canada are less likely to be physically active compared with non-immigrants, and the interrelations between personal and environmental factors that influence physical activity for immigrants are largely unexplored. The goal of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand how the experience of being new to Canada impacts opportunities and participation in physical activity. Two focus group interviews with immigrants to Canada were conducted. The first group ( n=7) included multicultural health brokers. The second group ( n=14) included English as a second language students. Qualitative content analysis was used to determine three themes consistent with the research question: transition to Canadian life, commitments and priorities, and accessibility. Discussion was framed using a social ecological model. Implications for practice and policy are suggested including enhanced community engagement, and organizational modifications. Overall, the development and implementation of physical activity policies and practices for newcomers to Canada should be centered on newcomers’ perspectives and experiences.

Communication Processes about Predictive Genetic Testing within High-Risk Breast Cancer Families: A Two-Phase Study Design

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Lena Blomen ◽  
Aliaksandra Pott ◽  
Alexander E. Volk ◽  
Lars Budäus ◽  
Isabell Witzel
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Mutation Carriers ◽  
Communication Processes ◽  
Phase Study ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Background: The detection of a pathogenic variant in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene has medical and psychological consequences for both, affected mutation carriers and their relatives. This study analyzed the psychological impact of genetic testing and mutation-positive test result as well as associated family communication processes from the perspective of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers and their family members.Methods: We conducted a two-phase study with explanatory sequential mixed methods design to understand the perspective of psychological process regarding genetic testing more efficiently. First, we analyzed a survey data of 79 carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Second, we conducted focus group interviews of 10 family members to deepen understanding of communication processes in high-risk families.Results: The average age of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers was 48 years, 58% had a history of cancer. The majority (64.6%) had general psychological distress independent of cancer diagnosis in the patients’ history. The point prevalence of depression was 16.9%. The main motives for undergoing genetic testing were desire for safety, prevention and risk assessment for the own children. The mutation carriers were satisfied with the decision to undergo genetic testing. Contrary to their subjective perception, the respondents' knowledge about those mutations was moderate. The familial communication was merely partially successful. In contrast to the high rate of disclosure to at-risk relatives (100%), the reported uptake of genetic testing among informed at-risk relatives was low (45.6%). In-depth focus group interviews with 10 family members revealed significant barriers to accessing genetic counseling including anxiety, uncertainty about the benefits of testing and the own cancer risk, particulary among males.Conclusion: The detection of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation has psychological impact not only on mutation carriers but also on their family members. An adequate knowledge of the genetic background is required to reduce the level of psychological distress and to support the familial communication process. Therefore, the quality of information sources for affected individuals and relatives and also the awareness of health care professionals have to be improved.

scholarly journals The Experiences of Patients with Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: Challenges, Expectations, and Accomplishments

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Özlem İbrahimoğlu ◽  
Sevinc Mersin ◽  
Eda Akyol
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Deep Brain

<p><strong>Objectives. </strong>Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a safe and effective alternative treatment of some movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Although DBS is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, because of the necessity of surgical intervention, follow-up and the effects on symptoms, this study was carried out to determine the challenges, expectations and accomplishments of patients with DBS in Parkinson’s disease.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>This qualitative study was carried out at the Neurosurgery Department of a research hospital in Turkey with seven patients who underwent DBS between 2008 and 2018. In the study, the challenges, expectations, and accomplishments of patients were investigated by using three focus group interviews in October 2018.</p><p><strong>Results. </strong>Among the participants, six patients were male, and one patient was female. The mean age of the patients was 56.85}16.48. Three main themes were revealed in the study. These were (1) Reborn; decrease in dependence, sense of accomplishment, enjoyment of life, (2) Prejudice; perceived as severely ill by others and (3) Fear; not being accustomed to the device, loss of device function.</p><p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>The results obtained from this study can be used in the process of adaptation to this process by discussing and evaluating the challenges, expectations and accomplishments of the Parkinson's patient in DBS with healthcare professionals and other patients.</p>

scholarly journals Gastric bypass - ingen snarvei til ny livsstil. Pasienterfaringer to år etter kirurgi

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Åshild Torgersen ◽  
Rebecca Jane Foreman ◽  
Sissel Eikeland Husebø ◽  
Marit Hegg Reime
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Knowledge To Action ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Patients Experience

The aim of the study was to examine which factors affect the patient's ability to cope with lifestyle changes, the importance of social support to maintain lifestyle changes and how patients experience follow-up from healthcare professionals, two years after surgery. A qualitative exploratory design was chosen. Three focus group interviews were conducted with 13 patients. Content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. The findings revealed three themes; from knowledge to action, the importance of social support, and insufficient follow-up from the healthcare service. The patients need structure in everyday life, self-discipline and social support to reinforce self-efficacy and to manage and maintain lifestyle changes. Information and support from healthcare professionals should be tailored to where the patient is in the change process.

The Experiences of People With Advanced Cancer and Professionals Participating in a Program With Focus on Rehabilitation and Palliative Care

2022 ◽  
pp. 003022282110583
Author(s):  
Mette Raunkiær
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Gain Control ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Everyday Activities ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Physical Functions ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
And Training

The study’s aim is to explore the experiences of people with advanced cancer and professionals participating in a program with focus on rehabilitation and palliative care. The study is based on two adjusted rehabilitation programs for 33 people with advanced cancer and 12 professionals. An observational study was conducted among the participants and two focus group interviews with 10 professionals. The analytic themes were “Lightness and happiness to gain control in everyday life,” “Community and closeness,” and “Training as a happiness and changing agent.” The activities had to support physical functions and everyday activities promoting body identity and well-being as well as emotions like closeness, lightness, and happiness in groups with like-minded people and at home with a partner and other family members. These activities and theory of emotions and body can expand the understanding of palliative care and rehabilitation as separated or integrated perspectives theoretical and in practice.

Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of their work with patients of working age with heart failure

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-166
Author(s):  
Catharina Frank ◽  
Camilla Lindbäck ◽  
Christina Takman ◽  
Lena Nordgren
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Individual Interview ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Returning To Work ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
The Impact

There is a lack of knowledge about healthcare professionals’ perspectives on rehabilitation in relation to heart failure. Still, collaboration between different professionals can impact patients. The purpose of this study was to describe healthcare professionals’ perceptions of their work with patients of working age with heart failure. The sample population consisted of six nurses, one physiotherapist and one cardiologist. One individual interview and two focus-group interviews were conducted. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three descriptive categories were constructed: ‘the impact of heart failure on patients’ life situations’, ‘heart failure service’, and ‘patients’ process of returning to work’. To support patients, healthcare professionals need to find ways to combine patients’ personal needs with protocol-driven care.

scholarly journals The Face of Workplace Violence: Experiences of Healthcare Professionals in Surgical Hospital Wards

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Jenny Jakobsson ◽  
Malin Axelsson ◽  
Karin Örmon
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Hospital Wards

Background. Though workplace violence (WPV) is a global problem for healthcare professionals, research within in-hospital care has mainly focused on WPV in emergency healthcare settings. Thus, the number of qualitative studies that explores experiences of WPV in general hospital wards with a longer length of stay is limited. Aim. The aim of this study was to explore how healthcare professionals in surgical hospital wards experience and manage WPV perpetrated by patients or visitors. Method. The study applied a qualitative, inductive approach using focus group interviews for data collection. A purposeful sample of 16 healthcare professionals working in surgical wards was included. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Findings. The analysis resulted in four main themes: workplace violence characteristics, partly predictable yet not prevented, approaching workplace violence, and consequences from workplace violence. During the focus group interviews, the healthcare professionals described various acts of physical violence, verbal abuse, and gender discrimination perpetrated by patients or their visitors. Despite the predictability of some of the incidents, preventive strategies were absent or inadequate, with the healthcare professionals not knowing how to react in these threatful or violent situations. They experienced that WPV could result in negative consequences for the care of both the threatful or violent person and the other patients in the ward. WPV caused the healthcare professionals to feel exposed, scared, and unprotected. Conclusion and clinical implications. Exposure to WPV is a problem for healthcare professionals in surgical wards and has consequences for the patients. Preventive strategies, guidelines, and action plans are urgently needed to minimise the risk of WPV and to ensure a safe work and care environment.

scholarly journals Barriers to Providing VTE Chemoprophylaxis to Hospitalized Patients: A Nursing-Focused Qualitative Evaluation

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 668-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Kreutzer ◽  
Anthony D Yang ◽  
Christina Sansone ◽  
Lily Saadat ◽  
Karl Y Bilimoria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Behavior Changes ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Nurses Perceptions ◽  
Inpatient Units

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious medical condition that results in preventable morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify nursing-related barriers to administration of VTE chemoprophylaxis to hospitalized patients. DESIGN: This was a qualitative study including nurses from five inpatient units at one hospital. METHODS: Observations were conducted on five units to gain insight into the process for administering chemoprophylaxis. Focus group interviews were conducted with nurses and were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify barriers to providing VTE chemoprophylaxis. RESULTS: We conducted 14 focus group interviews with nurses from five inpatient units to assess nurses’ perceptions of barriers to administration of VTE chemoprophylaxis. The barriers identified included nurses’ misconceptions that ambulating patients did not require chemoprophylaxis, nurses’ uncertainty when counseling patients on the importance of chemoprophylaxis, and a lack of comparative data for nurses regarding their specific refusal rates. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors act as barriers to patients receiving VTE chemoprophylaxis. These barriers are often modifiable targets for quality improvement. There is a need to focus on behavior changes that will remove or minimize barriers and equip nurses to ensure administration of VTE chemoprophylaxis by engaging patients in their care.

scholarly journals Cooperation in the mental health treatment of patients with outpatient commitment

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212092641
Author(s):  
Maria Løvsletten ◽  
Tonje Lossius Husum ◽  
Elisabeth Haug ◽  
Arild Granerud
Keyword(s):  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Outpatient Commitment ◽  
Service Levels ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Municipal Health

Background: Patients with outpatient commitment have a decision on coercive treatment from the specialist health services even if they are in their own home and receive municipal health services. Objective: The aim of this study is to gain more knowledge about how the outpatient commitment system works in the municipal health service and specialist health services, and how they collaborate with patients and across service levels from the perspectives of healthcare professionals. Methods: This is a qualitative study collecting data through focus group interviews with health personnel from the municipal health service and specialist health services. Results: The results describe the health personnel’s experiences with follow-up and interactions with the patients with outpatient commitment decisions, and their experiences with collaboration between service levels. Conclusion: The study show that outpatient commitment makes a difference in the way patients with this decision are followed up. The legislative amendment with new requirements for consent competence was challenging. Collaboration between services levels was also challenging.

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