Symbols of Hope on Pediatric Oncology Ward: Children's Perspective Using Photovoice

Background Hope nurtures confidence and enhances positivity. It is known to be a critical factor in illness, recovery and healing. This study aimed to identify the views of hospitalized children with cancer about the circumstances and factors that create hope for them in the oncology ward. Methods: This qualitative study explored children's experiences using Photovoice, which is an arts-based approach. Twenty children aged 6–12 years diagnosed with various cancers at a Pediatric Hospital in Tehran, Iran, participated in this study. Participants were requested to take photographs of objects, circumstances, or anything that gave them hope or represented a sign of hope in the oncology ward. The photographs were then used to facilitate face-to-face interviews with these children. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed six main themes: emotional connectedness with nursing staff; the playroom as a means to soften the hospital space; the presence of a parent; symbols of recovery; a touch of nature in the hospital setting; and escaping the hospital cage. Discussion: Hopefulness among children can emanate from diverse events and circumstances within the hospital environment. Nurses and physicians need an understanding of children's perspectives to design interventions to improve hopefulness among hospitalized children with cancer.

“I thought I lost my home”: resource loss, distress and recovery after the Manaro Voui volcanic disaster on Ambae Island

PurposeThis paper builds on existing studies by drawing on Conservation of Resources theory to explore the losses, psychological impacts as well as recovery processes of the 2017/18 volcanic disaster on Ambae Island, Vanuatu.Design/methodology/approachThis discussion is based on local perspectives and personal accounts collected through a series of eight semi-structured interviews (five males and three females).FindingsThe volcanic activity and subsequent displacement and evacuation led to significant resource loss which had a spiralling nature, causing psychological harm. Locals invested resources to recover and protect against future loss in diverse ways and, as resource gains were secured, experienced emotional relief. Key to recovery and healing included returning “home” after being displaced and reinvigorating cultural practices to re-establish cultural continuity, community and identity. Resource gains spiralled as people reconnected and regained a sense of place, optimism and the motivation to rebuild.Originality/valueNumerous studies have drawn upon the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to explore how resource loss can trigger psychological distress during environmental disasters; however, it has not been applied in Vanuatu, the most at-risk nation globally to natural hazards. This paper builds on existing studies by exploring personal accounts of resource loss, distress and recovery, and providing insights into resource spirals, caravans and passageways.

Intervention Strategies for Promoting Recovery and Healing from Child Sexual Abuse

The deleterious effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) on youth’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, neurobiological, sexual and developmental functioning are pervasive. Early targeted interventions for both the child who experienced CSA and their nonoffending caregivers are essential for healing and recovery. Effective interventions which are tailored to the youth’s developmental level can help mitigate or even prevent some of the serious and enduring negative effects of CSA, including symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This chapter is not comprehensive, but examines evidence based interventions for children and adolescents who have been sexually abused including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, this chapter will address systemic factors in CSA, recommending coordinated and trauma informed efforts utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, which may include a forensic medical team, investigators, prosecutors and other disciplines. This professional collaboration can prevent retraumatization of the child as the child and family navigate the sequela of CSA.

Influence of Nanoparticle-Loaded Edaravone on Postoperative Effects in Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage

In order to explore the influence of nanoparticle-loaded edaravone on postoperative effects in patients with cerebral hemorrhage, a total of 120 patients who were diagnosed as cerebral hemorrhage and underwent minimally invasive hematoma removal at the designated hospital by the study from December 2014 to December 2018 were selected as research objects and divided into three groups according to the random number table method: edaravone treatment (ET) group, nanoparticle-loaded edaravone treatment (NET) group, and combined treatment (CT) group with 40 patients in each group. Three groups of patients underwent routine treatments based on their conditions, including regulating blood sugar, regulating blood pressure, anti-infection, nutritional support, and managing complications, in which 25 mg edaravone injection and 100 ml saline were added for patients in NET and CT group on the basis of the routine treatment of patients in ET group. The results showed that, after 15 days of standard treatment, the 40 patients in NET group had significantly improved neurological function than that before the treatment; the secretion of inflammatory factors in peripheral serum increased on the 7th day of treatment and decreased on the 14th day of treatment; there was no statistically significant difference in edema volume before treatment and the edema volume in the NET group was (11.56±0.44) mL after treatment, which was significantly smaller than that in ET group of (14.63±1.15) mL and the difference between the three groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). Therefore, it is believed that nanoparticle-loaded edaravone has an important effect on the postoperative effect of patients with cerebral hemorrhage; it can significantly improve the neurological function of patients with cerebral hemorrhage after minimally invasive drainage, and obviously reduce the production and release of interleukin and tumor necrosis factor, which is beneficial to protect healthy brain tissue and other organs throughout the body, and is conducive to the recovery and healing of cerebral hemorrhage. The results of this study provide a reference for further research on the influence of nanoparticle-loaded edaravone on postoperative effects in patients with cerebral hemorrhage.

Healing Is Rhizomatic: A Conceptual Framework and Tool

This paper offers a conceptual framework and a set of tools that use rhizomes as a metaphor for healing in the context of oppressive violence. Existing conceptualizations of trauma, trauma recovery, and healing offer important tools for framing and addressing the impacts of oppression on individuals and groups. These exist in a fractured practice ground where practitioners are socialized into divisions such as “micro” vs. “macro” practice and “self-care” vs. “the work.” The Healing is Rhizomatic conceptual framework identifies five nodes (body, felt sense, relationships, place, story) and three dimensions of healing-oriented engagement (recognition, readying the ground, (re)generation) that exist across these approaches. Adaptable to multiple levels of analysis, the conceptual framework focuses on fracture, blockage, and connection as core experiences. These experiences occur in, through, and between the nodes and dimensions. This paper explores use of the conceptual framework and tools for applying it as a mechanism for assessment and reflection about internalized and operational definitions and approaches to healing. Thereby, the framework and tools offer a view of a common practice ground for practitioners engaged in healing work in the context of oppressive violence and is intended to support deeper awareness, collaboration, and coordination of approaches.

Exploring the Caring Incorporating Yoga Program in Promoting Physical Recovery of Stroke Patients in Acute Phase

Background: Caring science integrating cultural practices has become an important health resource to get positive health outcomes for hospitalized acutely ill patients. Yoga, a cultural practice, has the power to bring multiple physical improvements among chronic stroke patients. The purpose of the study is to analyze the experiences of participants by focusing on their roles and perceptions of the power of caring incorporating yoga to promote physical recovery among stroke patients during the acute phase. Methods: The study is part of an action research entitled "Development of a Caring Model Incorporating Yoga for Promoting Physical Recovery and Wisdom of People Living with Stroke" conducted in a neurology unit of a university hospital in Nepal. Purposeful sample was used to select participants consisting of 16 nurses, 16 stroke patients and their family caregivers. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guidelines and was continued until data saturation. An inductive content analysis approach was used for data analysis.Results: Three main themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the qualitative data in terms of experiences of the participants of the program. The three main themes were "caring as a tool to establish trusting relationship in acute phase"; "yoga as a practical and powerful tool for physical recovery from stroke during acute phase"; and "perceived physical recovery as a result of the caring incorporating yoga program". Conclusions: The findings of the study showed that nurses can successfully facilitate early physical recovery of stroke patients using caring incorporating yoga during acute phase. As yoga is well accepted by Hindu stroke patients due to it being culturally congruent with their sociocultural background, it may be effective for physical recovery and healing of the whole person.

Exploring the Caring Incorporating Yoga Program in Promoting Physical Recovery of Stroke Patients in Acute Phase

Background: Currently, caring science integrating cultural practices has become an important health resource to get positive health outcomes for hospitalized acutely ill patients. Yoga, a cultural practice, has the power to bring multiple physical improvements among chronic stroke patients. The purpose of the study is to analyze the experiences of participants focusing on their roles and perceptions of the power of caring incorporating yoga to promote physical recovery among stroke patients during the acute phase. Methods: The study is a part of action research entitled "Development of a Caring Model Incorporating Yoga for Promoting Physical Recovery and Wisdom of People Living with Stroke". Purposeful sample was used to select the participants of 16 nurses, 16 stroke patients and their family caregivers. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews guideline and continues until data saturation in a neurology unit of a university hospital, Nepal. An inductive content analysis approach was used for data analysis. Results: Three main themes and 9 sub-themes were emerged from the qualitative data in terms of experiences of the participants on the program. The three main theme included "caring as a tool to develop trusting relationship"; "yoga as a practical and powerful tool for physical recovery of stroke patients during acute phase"; and "perceived physical recovery as a result of the caring incorporating yoga intervention". Conclusions: The finding of the study shown that that nurses can successfully facilitate early physical recovery of stroke patients using caring incorporating yoga during their acute phase. As yoga is well accepted by Hindu stroke patients due to it being culturally congruent with their sociocultural background, it may be effective for physical recovery and healing of the whole person.