Descriptive Phenomenology Research Articles

‘Thrown at twins’ - A qualitative study exploring the lived experience of Australian osteopaths who regularly treat paediatric patients

Backgroundand purpose: Little is known about the training and experience of osteopaths who treat paediatric patients, and graduates report feeling unprepared for this aspect of practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of Australian osteopaths who regularly treat these patients, in order to better understand their individual educational pathways and their management of this population. Materials and methodsOsteopaths who reported regularly treating paediatric patients were recruited through the Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION) national practice-based network. Semi-structured interviews were completed, transcribed and thematically analysed using the principles of Descriptive Phenomenology to compile qualitative data. ResultsTen osteopaths were interviewed, whose age ranged from 33 to 71 years and with 15–46 years of clinical experience. Proportion of paediatric patients ranged from 20 to 90 % of participants’ caseload according to self-report. Seven themes were identified that reflected the lived experience of treating paediatric patients: 1) Variable pathways to practice, 2) Challenges and rewards, 3) Scope of practice, 4) Team-based care, 5) Importance of entry-level skills, 6) Family-centred care, and 7) Success. ConclusionThe study found a diversity of educational pathways, that paediatric practice was highly rewarding, the scope of practice was based on diagnostic skills and experience, the practitioners had extensive team-based professional networks, practice reflected a family-centred care model, and personal measures of success were multifactorial. These results give insight into this area of practice to guide further research.

From Salon to Home: The Professional Journey and Challenges of Beauticians

The practice of beauticians providing home services has grown significantly, driven by consumer demand for convenience and personalized care. This study explores the professional experiences of beauticians delivering home services, emphasizing factors such as career duration, continuous training, effective time management, and the diverse challenges encountered. Using descriptive phenomenology, the research delves into the lived experiences of beauticians, revealing that extensive career length, ongoing professional development, and efficient time management are critical to service quality and client satisfaction. However, challenges such as inconsistent product availability, transportation issues, and maintaining sanitation standards in varied home environments complicate service delivery. The study also highlights the importance of innovative marketing strategies, including the use of social media and client referrals, to expand the client base and ensure business growth. Findings suggest that beauticians must navigate logistical complexities and develop robust problem-solving skills to succeed. The study underscores the need for continuous skill enhancement and strategic marketing to maintain competitiveness in the evolving beauty industry. By understanding these professional experiences, the research provides insights that can inform practice, policy, and future research, ultimately benefiting both service providers and clients in the beauty industry.

Management of febrile convulsion in home settings: a qualitative study of multiple caregiver practices in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana

BackgroundFebrile convulsion (FC) among children is a common emergency concern received in hospitals and clinics. However, in Ghana, FC is commonly perceived as a non-hospital disease and usually managed at...

Patient and Staff Insights on Digital Care Pathways for Patients With Low Back Pain in the Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study.

Back pain is a huge global problem. For some people, the pain is so severe that they feel the need to present to an emergency department (ED). Our aim was to explore patient and staff perspectives for the development of a digital care pathway (DCP) for people with back pain who have presented to ED, including acceptability, barriers and facilitators. We used a descriptive phenomenology approach using semi-structured interviews with patient and staff participants at a tertiary hospital. Interviews were transcribed and data codes were developed using inductive thematic analysis. Themes were discussed between researchers until consensus was achieved. A total of 16 interviews were carried out, half of which involved patient participants. We identified three major themes: (i) expectations and experiences of staff and patients with low back pain in ED; (ii) a digital care pathway can empower patients and support clinicians in providing care; and (iii) acceptability, barriers, facilitators and recommendations of engaging with a DCP to track the trajectory of back pain. Each theme was further categorised into subthemes. Introducing a DCP was perceived as acceptable and beneficial by patients and staff. Both groups were aware of the potential participant burden if surveys were too long. Introducing a DCP could be a valuable adjunct to current management care models, providing a standardised source of education with the potential for individualised tracking and monitoring. The design and development of a DCP will need to consider reported facilitators and address perceived barriers for engagement. This project sought insights from patients and staff about a digital care pathway. This forms the first step of patient and consumer consultation before implementing a digital care pathway. All consumers were offered the opportunity to review their responses and our interpretation.

Sexual Stigma in Young Adult Femme Lesbian Women

This study examines the unique and subjective experience of sexual stigma among sexual minority women. In Indonesia, lesbian women as a homosexual group experience more stigma and discrimination, affecting multiple aspects of life, including psychosocial, economic, legal, and health. The aim of this study is to obtain an in-depth understanding on sexual stigma experience of young adult femme lesbian women, manifested in three forms: (1) enacted sexual stigma; (2) felt sexual stigma; and (3) internalized sexual stigma. The qualitative study method with descriptive phenomenology approach utilizing in-depth interview was conducted to three participants who self-referred as femme lesbian women, with the age range of 19-30 years old. Study results found that the study participants experienced sexual stigma early on their development of sexual identity. Internalized sexual stigma was formed when the study participants were negatively exposed to enacted sexual stigma and felt sexual stigma. The impact of sexual stigma was reflected through drawbacks in the development of sexual identity, expression of social relations, and romantic relationships with lesbian women partners, as well as negative emotional well-being.

접근가능한 관광관점에서 본 영유아 동반 관광자에 관한 연구

This study aimed to investigate the tourist experience of individuals who travel with infants and young children from the perspective of accessible tourism using online written interviews. Colaizzi's (1978) descriptive phenomenology was used as the research method, categorizing data into 6 categories, 17 theme clusters, and 73 themes. Specifically, the study examined reasons for participating in tourism, satisfaction with tourism activities, the usefulness of parents' prior experience, considerations when engaging in tourism with infants, difficulties encountered, and strategies for overcoming these difficulties. Difficulties and strategies for overcoming them were identified within the 17 theme clusters. The findings revealed that individuals participate in tourism activities to escape their daily routines, seek new experiences, and fulfill their parental roles. Although challenges such as limited mobility and lack of convenient facilities were noted, these were viewed as obstacles that could be easily overcome by the accompanying parents. This research highlights that individuals traveling with infants and young children perceive the limitations of tourism activities as unique conditions associated with traveling with young ones, differing from previous studies. Effective strategies for overcoming difficulties included diversifying information acquisition, engaging in actions to relax psychologically, and recognizing the uniqueness of the situation. Through this experiential process, parents were able to strengthen family bonds and derive satisfaction from the joy experienced by their children, resulting in a positive and fulfilling experience. These research findings contribute to a better understanding of the tourist experience for individuals traveling with infants and young children and offer important academic implications.

A Critical Pedagogy Analysis of Literature Teachers’ Perspectives on The Integration of Multicultural Literature in Higher Education

This qualitative study investigates the integration of multicultural literature within higher education classrooms, examining experiences, challenges, necessary support, and perceived impacts on students. Framed within critical pedagogy theory, the research aimed to uncover insights into the transformative potential of diverse narratives. Guided by qualitative research principles, specially descriptive phenomenology, the study employs semi-structured interviews with literature instructors selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved multiple online platforms to facilitate candid discussions, ensuring a diverse representation of perspectives. The interview guide was rigorously developed and validated through pre-testing and expert consultation, ensuring relevance to the research objectives. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis, a methodical approach to identifying patterns and themes within the data. Inductive reasoning guided the analysis process, allowing for theory formulation from observed patterns. Intercoder reliability checks and member-checking techniques were employed to enhance data validity and credibility. The analysis of participant responses revealed multifaceted teaching strategies, emphasizing the significance of cultural representation, innovative approaches, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Teachers adapt their methods to accommodate diverse student voices while leveraging technology and cultural sensitivity. This study emphasises that institutions, educators, and students collectively contribute to fostering a culturally enriched learning environment. It also contributes to inclusivity and diversity in education, cultivating cultural intelligence and a broader understanding of global perspectives. The study highlights the necessity for literature teachers to have access to diverse resources, professional development opportunities, and collaboration for effective integration. Moreover, higher education institutions are crucial in supporting this integration through curriculum enhancements, resource allocation, and adequate preparation time. Despite challenges such as limited institutional support, the personal dedication and commitment of teachers and students play a pivotal role in successfully integrating multicultural literature into educational settings. These findings provide nuanced insights into the complexities of integrating multicultural literature in higher education, contributing to educational theory, policy development, and pedagogical practices.

Exploring the use of Electric-Assist Handcycles to Facilitate Adapted Mountain Biking Participation for People Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

PurposeThe aim of this study was to describe how electric-assist (e-assist) handcycles facilitate participation in adapted mountain biking for people with a spinal cord injury. Materials and MethodsTen adults (n=10) living with a spinal cord injury who actively ride trails each completed an online semi-structured interview. Seven of these participants have ridden nature trails using an e-assist handcycle. Following descriptive phenomenology principles, interviews were thematically analyzed using NVivo software. ResultsCommentary on e-assist was categorized into the following themes: e-assist descriptions, e-assist as enjoyable, and e-assist accessibility. Handcycles with pedal e-assist were described as a prominent facilitator, whereby the electric motor can mitigate overexertion, help navigate uneven terrain, and reduce injuries. Participants described using e-assist mountain biking handcycles as a way to facilitate perceived safety, inclusivity, and overall accessibility in adapted mountain biking participation. ConclusionsFindings of this research emphasize the importance of innovative technology in facilitating adapted mountain biking for people with spinal cord injuries. E-assist mountain biking handcycles make the outdoors more accessible to people with a spinal cord injury by increasing opportunities to enjoy exploring nature and travel further, with enhanced safety features, which are not replicable while using a traditional handcycle or wheelchair.

The experience of mutual support during hospitalization of co-morbid couples with recurrent older stroke survivors - A descriptive phenomenological study

The phenomenon of the experiences of mutual support of co-morbid couples of recurrent older stroke survivors during hospitalization is receiving increased interest from nursing scholars. However, little is known about how they support each other. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of co-morbid couples of older stroke survivors with recurrent stroke who support each other during hospitalization. A descriptive phenomenology study was employed. 21 co-morbid couples with recurrent older stroke survivors were recruited. The interviews were analyzed with Colaizzi's descriptive analysis framework. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) maintaining the couple's relationship through mutual support, (2) mutual support so as not to drag the children down, and (3) providing support while struggling between ideals and reality. It is crucial to provide them with individualized, tailored support and interventions that can help these couples achieve a more optimal balance in their mutual support.

A qualitative study of clinicians' impressions regarding the implementation of a clinical and research data collection system

AbstractBackgroundSystematically collecting data on clientele databases allows for describing the clientele's needs and addressing various clinical research questions. Conducted in a university psychology clinic, this initiative seeks to improve the overall quality of care provided by integrating evidence‐based practices. This study works to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research.AimsThis study aimed to describe the potential repercussions and clinicians' impressions regarding the implementation of this procedure.Research DesignAn inductive qualitative approach, inspired by Husserl's descriptive phenomenology, was used. To be consistent with this approach, data analysis followed Giorgi's five‐step scientific phenomenological method.Data Collection and AnalysisSemi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with 14 volunteer clinicians using an interview guide. The data were analysed to extract central themes using Giorgi's method, which involves collecting verbal data, reading the data, dividing it into units of meaning, organising the data using the language of the discipline and synthesising the results.ResultsFive central themes emerged: barriers to implementation, potential impacts on therapy, recommendations to enhance participation, perceived utility and an attitude of openness.DiscussionThe pilot project provides valuable insights into the feasibility and acceptability of systematic data collection in a clinical setting. Clinician consultation proves to be essential in the implementation process, highlighting the importance of addressing practical and philosophical obstacles.ConclusionUnderstanding clinicians' experiences can guide future implementations of similar systems and improve clinical practice by supporting the integration of systematic data collection. Enhanced communication and training on the data collection system are suggested.

Community perception and experience of health services in the midst of an earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire with various disasters occurring frequently and causing tremendous impacts. Recently, Mamuju Regency in West Sulawesi was hit by an earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic, making primary health care (PHC) a major community health care provider facing several issues. This study aims to explore the challenges and supporting factors of the recovery of PHC after the earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic using a descriptive phenomenology grounded in Edmund Husserl's philosophy. The Bamboo PHC (Puskesmas Bambu) was selected as the only PHC in Mamuju which was most affected by the earthquake. A focus group discussion method was conducted by involving 15 participants selected using purposive sampling and divided into three groups (health workers, health cadres, and community members). As a result, the community members acknowledged that the Bamboo PHC services programs in general were favorable before the pandemic, there were several basic and superior health service programs that the community felt were valuable. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation and the use of healthcare facilities decreased. Coupled with the occurrence of natural disasters in vulnerable areas, it is increasingly causing fatalities. Therefore, disaster preparedness and community empowerment are the key to successful disaster management.

Tetralogy of Fallot: A Qualitative Study towards Identifying the Basic Needs of a Child with this Condition

The consequences of surgical correction of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), remains an important aspect as children with TOF repair run the high risk of increase mortality resulting from cardiopulmonary nursing problems involving cardiorespiratory insufficiency and low cardiac output resulting from surgical management manipulation of the heart. A study that investigates the basic need of children living with surgically corrected Fallot’s tetralogy integrates in a caring science discipline. The researcher sorted to investigate on identifying which basic needs of children living with TOF in one of the surgical heart centres of Africa could be used when modeling a caring approach for them. This was a phenomenological qualitative study which explored the nurses formal knowledge of the clinical needs faced by children with tetralogy of Fallot. The population under study were the nurses and were selected based on a non- probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using a semi-directed guided interview guide on a one-one interview strategy. Content of the information gathered from the participants was analyzed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenology method. The study revealed that especially during post-surgical repair, the child presents with the following basic needs like: biophysical, safety and security, psychophysical, psychosocial and spiritual needs.

«I can't imagine it without my nurse»: Experiences of people with chronic kidney disease in the evaluation process as kidney transplant candidates.

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of 11 adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing evaluation for kidney transplant (KT) and examine the role played by the nurse in the process. Employing a descriptive phenomenology approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2022 and July 2023. Thematic analysis, facilitated by Atlas. ti software, revealed a systemic management diagram with "The candidate for kidney transplant and their reality" at the center, followed by "The process of chronic kidney disease and kidney transplantation," and concluding with the most distal category centered on "The kidney transplant access nurse." This organizational framework provided insights into the layers of relationships between emerging themes. The findings underscored the complexity and multidimensionality of the CKD and KT process, emphasizing the nurse's pivotal role as a guide and protector throughout the evaluation process for accessing kidney transplantation. The convergence of results with existing literature highlighted the need to address challenges such as lack of time, resources, and emotional support to enhance the quality of care. Recognizing the nurse's crucial importance in this process, the study emphasizes the significance of addressing these challenges to improve patient care and calls for attention to the nurse's role in guiding individuals through the intricate journey of CKD and kidney transplantation.

창업가의 창업경험에 대한 현상학적 연구 및 교육에의 시사점

This study aims to explore the entrepreneurial experiences of founders through a phenomenological research method and to suggest implications for school education based on entrepreneurial cases. The research employs Giorgi's (1985) descriptive phenomenology as a qualitative research method to articulate the structure of experiences founders undergo during the entrepreneurial process. For this purpose, the study conducted in-depth interviews with four entrepreneurs who have maintained their businesses, categorizing their entrepreneurial experiences. The data collected from these interviews involved responses to common written questions provided by the researcher. Three participants were interviewed face-to-face, while one participated in an online interview. The study categorizes the factors influencing changes in entrepreneurs' lives into emotional and environmental aspects, focusing on four key meaning units and 15 sub-components, which are divided into 51 meaning units: Background of Major Selection: Influenced by family environment, job relevance, and areas of aptitude and interest. Career Choice and Transition: Often linked to their major. Entrepreneurial Experience: Discovering personal strengths such as relevant personality traits for the industry and prior experience in related fields. Life Goals and Directions: Many entrepreneurs expressed satisfaction with becoming experts in their field post-startup, finding both job satisfaction and socio-economic stability. The study concludes with educational implications, suggesting enhancements in resilience education, professional ethics awareness, cooperative relationships with others, and changes in on-site career education.

Coincidental discovery of HIV and pregnancy positive status in primary healthcare facilities.

HIV-positive and pregnancy diagnosis is a traumatic, shocking, and distressing experience for women. Adoption of routine HIV counselling and testing in the antenatal programme aimed to increase the uptake and the early diagnosis of HIV among pregnant women to prevent maternal HIV transmission to unborn babies and neonates. The study aimed to explore the psychological reaction of women coincidentally discovering their HIV-positive status and pregnancy while seeking medical care in primary healthcare facilities in the Tshwane district. Descriptive phenomenology involving a semi-structured in-depth interview was used to collect data. The sample was purposively selected. Twenty-eight women participated in the research project. Face-to-face in-depth audio recorded interviews were used to gain a full understanding of the experiences and feelings of the participants. Reason for the uptake of pregnancy and HIV testing, reactions upon discovering HIV and pregnancy-positive status, emotions arising from the pregnancy and HIV-positive diagnosis, understanding HIV infection in pregnancy, and transitions to acceptance and coping with the HIV-positive diagnosis were themes that emerged from this study. It is crucial that responsible healthcare workers consider this psychological imbalance during their offering of antenatal and postnatal care services so that the pregnant women living with HIV can accept and cope with the situation.Contribution:This study accounts to support other studies that offer intense counselling for women coincidentally discovering their positive HIV status and pregnancy. It is important to remedy the acceptance of the situation and to promote HIV prevention and family planning for women of childbearing age.

Experiences of patients, parents, and healthcare professionals in the process of transitioning from hospital to community after inpatient pediatric rehabilitation among children with special health care needs

Purpose Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) may experience disruptions in education due to extended hospitalizations. The purpose of this study was to describe how CSHCN experience educational supports during inpatient rehabilitation and identify the ongoing challenges when planning to return to school. Materials and methods Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with parents (n = 12), former patients (n = 20), and rehabilitation professionals (n = 8). Results Through qualitative thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology, we developed three themes: 1) Inpatient educational support such as instruction and schoolwork helped reduce the learning loss during hospitalization. However, these supports were sometimes complicated by lags in school approvals and challenges in coordination between systems. 2) Transition planning involved establishing necessary services to support CSHCN’s educational and healthcare needs at school re-entry. However, families reported limited information and guidance as key barriers. 3) Dynamic courses of school re-entry required continued support after discharge. The participants recommended that reassessment and adjustment of transition plans were often necessary to account for evolving developmental and educational needs but were not always received. Conclusions There is an ongoing need to improve communication between clinicians and educators, information for families, and long-term follow-up on the changing educational needs for CSHCN after rehabilitation.

Navigating Multiple Burdens among Women in Government Service

This study investigates the lived experiences of government-employed mothers in Sabangan, Mountain Province, Philippines, who juggle work, family, and community roles without domestic help. Employing descriptive phenomenology and thematic analysis, the research examines the effects of these multiple burdens on nine participants from various government institutions. Findings highlight both positive outcomes, like happiness and fulfillment, and negative impacts, such as exhaustion and stress. The study reveals strategies these women use to mitigate adverse effects and suggests policy changes for better government support. Recommendations include extended parental leave, more holidays, reduced work hours, and accessible childcare. The study underscores the need for shared familial responsibilities and legislative backing to aid working mothers in managing their multifaceted roles.

FAMILY EXPERIENCE IN PERFORMING HOME EMERGENCY FIRST AID FOR CHILDREN HAVING A FEBRILE SEIZURE

Home emergency aid for children having a febrile seizure determines the results of health outcomes of the children. The research aimed to obtain the significance and importance of family’s experience in home emergency first aid for children having a febrile seizure. The method used in this research is the qualitative descriptive phenomenology method which consists of four stages, namely bracketing, intuiting, analyzing, and describing. Participants in this research were families who have children under five with a history of febrile seizures. The participants consisted of 10 people and the applied sampling technique was the purposive sampling technique. The analysis of the research results applied the Colaizzi method. The results of this research obtained one theme with four sub-themes, namely letting a febrile seizure run its course, observing, putting something in children's mouths, and asking for help from others. The results of this research recommend the importance of health education in families about home first aid to give when children have a febrile seizure.

Parenting experiences of marriage immigrant women in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive phenomenological study.

This study aimed to investigate the experiential meaning of child-rearing for marriage immigrant women in Korea in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using the hermeneutic descriptive phenomenology framework developed by Colaizzi, 10 marriage immigrant women rearing preschool and school-age children were invited through purposive and snowball sampling from two multicultural support centers in Korea. The participants were rearing one or two children, and their original nationalities were Vietnamese, Japanese, Cambodian, and Chinese. Individual in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted from September 1 to November 30, 2021. We extracted significant statements from the transcripts, transformed these into abstract formulations, and organized them into theme clusters and themes to authentically capture the essence of the participants' subjective experiences. Four theme clusters with 14 themes were derived. The four theme clusters identified were "navigating child healthcare alone," "guilt for not providing a social experience," "worry about media-dependent parenting," and "feelings of incompleteness and exclusion." This study explored the perspectives of mothers raising children as marriage migrant women who experienced physical and emotional health crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings underscore that marriage immigrant women encountered heightened challenges in managing their children's health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic due to linguistic and cultural barriers limiting access to healthcare and information. Additionally, these women experienced considerable emotional stress from perceived inadequacies in providing a holistic social and developmental environment for their children under extensive social restrictions.

The Effect of Video-Based Simulation Training on Nursing Students' Motivation and Academic Achievement: A Mixed Study.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of video-based simulation education on nursing students' motivation and academic achievement. The research was designed in a mixed model. A quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group was used for the quantitative part, and the descriptive phenomenology approach was used as the qualitative research method. The sample of the study consisted of second-year nursing students in two state universities in eastern Turkey. The data were collected with the Student Information Form, the Academic Achievement Test, and the Motivation Resources and Problems Scale using Google Forms Web application. Qualitative data were collected through online semistructured interview forms and focus group interviews. According to the results, the posttest academic achievement and Motivation Resources and Problems Scale mean scores of the students in the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P < .05). In the analysis of the qualitative, three main themes emerged: We felt fortunate that it increased information retention," "We felt like we were in real practice environment," and "It made us feel that we were nurses." The results showed the use of video-based simulation can be suggested as a strategy to promote classroom teaching and engage students.