Experience Of Significant Others Research Articles

Navigating the trauma-The experiences of significant others supporting patients with severe burn injury: A narrative inquiry.

To explore the experiences of significant others of adult patients with severe burn injury in the Intensive Care Unit. Specifically, this study explored the strategies implemented by significant others and obstacles faced that served to protect or placed them at risk of psychological sequelae during their experience of trauma. A qualitative study using a Narrative Inquiry approach was undertaken. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants during 2021-2022, who were a significant other of an adult patient in ICU with severe burn injury. These participants were recruited from the two major severe burns receiving hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Participants' stories were analysed using a narrative analysis approach informed by Polkinghorne. The COREQ guideline was used in reporting. As each participant navigated the traumatic experience of supporting a loved one with a severe burn injury, they faced unique obstacles to maintaining their own mental health and well-being. They employed strategies that were likely to protect them on this journey. Psychologically protective factors included taking back control, coexisting in the trauma with the patient and forging a trauma bond. These strategies effectively contained the trauma and protected others (such as children, extended family and friends). While this allowed significant others an element of control, it also effectively isolated them from the support of family and friends. This study shows that significant others may also experience personal trauma and may not recognize this as they focus all their attention on supporting the patient with the burn injury. With increased awareness of both protective and risk factors, support can be directed towards enhancing protective factors and addressing risk factors, thereby decreasing their impact and improving support for significant others. No patient or public contribution.

Bringing Trauma Home: Reflections on Interviewing Survivors of Trauma while Working from Home

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home became the new normal for many professionals. While this was beneficial in managing the rapidly spreading virus, it had varying impacts on the mental health of those previously not accustomed to remote work. This paper provides a critical reflection of the researcher’s experience of conducting interviews with survivors of trauma while working from home. The research aimed to understand the experiences of significant others supporting patients with severe burn injury in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As an experienced ICU nurse, the researcher has well developed personal coping strategies for dealing with complex trauma and in working with significant others of patients with severe burn injury in hospital settings. Due to the pandemic, data collection moved from face-to-face in the hospital, as originally intended, to phone or videoconference interviews. 17 participants were recruited, with all participants given the option of videoconference ( n = 3) or telephone interviews ( n = 14). Interviews had an average length of 55 minutes. This paper discusses the strategies adopted to cope with the sharing of significant others’ experiences of trauma while in the home environment. Careful consideration was needed for the researcher, the participants and those within the homes of both researcher and participant, in terms of psychological safety, ethical considerations and rapport building.

Managing the elephant in the room: responding to COVID-19's impact on data collection.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected data collection for many researchers, in particular research that involves face-to-face interviews. To share learning about the challenges encountered when face-to-face interviews could not continue as planned in a study and how to adapt data collection so that it can continue despite severe disruption. This article examines the considerations and actions taken by the authors to ensure the continuity of data collection. The research aimed to use narrative inquiry to understand the experiences of significant others supporting people in intensive care units with severe burn injuries. But the pandemic meant the researchers could not meet face-to-face with participants as originally intended and so they had to consider new ways to approach data collection. The authors explore the process of adapting the interviews to video conferencing and telephone use while preserving the study's person-centred focus to remain coherent with narrative methodology. Adapting data collection is valuable in ensuring the continuity of research. Careful consideration and planning are required to ensure the research remains robust and ethically sound. Adapting data collection methods can allow for greater flexibility when participants cannot attend face-to-face interviews.

Cultural (medical) ideas of long-term care patients during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic: mechanism and formation of cultural knowledge in an uncertain situation

In the period of the new corona virus spread we saw major changes in traditional daily living in total uncertainty. This work investigates the experience of making therapeutic decisions by long-term care patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Theoretically, the long-established medical decision patterns introduced into the chronic patients daily living can stop being effective in a such situation. Conceptually, the study was based on the core principles of the cognitive medical anthropology, when human cultural ideas about the disease and its treatment become fundamental for therapeutic decision making. In the pandemic time, formation of new knowledge about the virus, its consequences, its interaction with chronic diseases ran in the here and now mode. The research was to describe the mechanisms of the prepandemic cultural knowledge and creation of new knowledge in an unconventional situation that the long-term care patients had as the most important factor for the patient choice. Within the investigation framework, 11 depth interviews with chronically ill people were held. The carried out analysis enabled to distinguish two basic models of long-term patients medical decision during the pandemic: (1) the model, comprising correction of a prepandemic treatment regimen and (2) the model, omitting correction of a prepandemic treatment regimen. The cultural (medical) knowledge and the problem of health care access proved to be the primary factors, affecting the long-term care patients medical decision in the pandemic period. The paper also describes the role of personal experience and the experience of significant others, expert knowledge, stories of other people (experience of unfamiliar people).

Pictures and a thousand words: the experiences of significant others whose loved ones have a severe brain injury who are being discharged home

AbstractPurpose:To investigate the experiences of significant others when their loved one with a severe acquired brain injury (ABI) is being discharged from an ABI-specific rehabilitation unit.Participants:Significant others of loved ones with an ABI participated in interviews close to their loved ones being discharged from inpatient ABI rehabilitation.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis applied. Additionally, the drawing method was also used which involved participants drawing what it was like for them as their loved one was going home. Image analysis was then combined with the interview data.Results:Eight significant others participated in interviews on discharge and completed a drawing describing their experience. Five themes were identified (Change, Mixed feelings, Support of family and friends, Journey and Staff interactions).Conclusion:The experience of having a loved one with a severe ABI in rehabilitation is an emotional event. Compassionate communication, consistency of information and thorough discharge planning practices were cornerstones to enhancing the experience of significant others, empowering them to undertake their new role.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health: Evidence from Cyprus.

The aim of the current study was to examine mental health effects of the first wave of COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease-19) in Cyprus. Accordingly, 388 individuals aged 18–65+ responded to the Components of Mental Health Questionnaire that was distributed via social media for two weeks assessing how emotional distress, support and interest in self and others, lifestyle changes, engagement in protective measures, and avoidant behaviors were related to participants’ gender, age, and place of residency. Additionally, we measured the level of concern of individuals during and after the first wave outbreak of the pandemic. The results suggest that (a) females experience higher levels of anxiety, stress, fear, worry, and despair than males and are more likely to undertake protective measures, (b) older individuals and those who live in urban areas perceive greater social support and interest in the emotional experience of significant others, (c) emotional distress and support and interest in self and others are associated with all other variables, indicating the importance of these constructs to the experience of a pandemic, and (d) there was a decrease in participants’ concern after the end of the first wave of the pandemic. Mental health professionals could find this information useful when developing and implementing prevention programs that aim to offer psychological support during this stressful period.

How women varsity athletes high in self-compassion experience unexpected stressors

Self-compassion appears to promote adaptive appraisals and coping in women athletes (Mosewich et al., 2019), and a self-compassionate perspective may aid athletes in navigating the experience of unexpected stressors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore how women varsity athletes high in self-compassion experience unexpected stressors. More specifically, our research questions were: (1) How do women varsity athletes high in self-compassion appraise unexpected stressors surrounding competition? and (2) How do women varsity athletes high in self-compassion attempt to cope with unexpected stressors surrounding competition? Using utilization-focused purposeful sampling, 216 women varsity athletes completed the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003b). Seven women (Mage = 19.43 years, SD = 1.40) with high self-compassion scores (M = 3.83, SD = 0.48) then participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Through an interpretive description framework (Thorne, 2016), themes were created around appraising and coping with unexpected stressors. Athletes drew on past experiences, a balanced perspective toward sport, and logical appraisal patterns when evaluating unexpected stressors. Furthermore, five themes were developed that illustrate coping efforts: emotional self-awareness to support coping, realizing the experiences of significant others in sport, use of established social network, proactively approaching the problem, and direction of attention to (re-)engage. It appears that varsity women athletes high in self-compassion possess resources that enable them to effectively navigate unexpected stressors. Lay summary: The study explored how athletes who scored high in the construct of self-compassion responded to unexpected stressors that they encountered during competition. Athletes described various approaches that aided them in assessing the unexpected stressors. Athletes engaged in a range of efforts to try to manage unexpected stressors that they experienced. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE To reduce ambiguity surrounding unexpected stressors, athletes should be encouraged to reflect on past experiences with stressors to recognize similarities to the current stressor. Furthermore, reflecting on past experiences can aid athletes in fostering a sense of self-efficacy from previous successes and/or from recognizing the confidence that significant others in sport (e.g., coaches, teammates) have in the athlete to be able to manage the demands of competition. Athletes should develop a range of reactive and proactive coping approaches to respond to and/or reduce the impact of unexpected stressors. Such approaches may include mental skills (e.g., self-talk, physical cues) to facilitate perseverance in the face of unexpected stressors. Establishing and having access to a social support network can aid athletes in preparing for and responding to unexpected stressors. Social support can be emotional (e.g., aiding athletes in managing their emotions), informational (e.g., gathering more information surrounding an unexpected stressor), and/or indirect (e.g., recognizing that other athletes have experienced, or are experiencing, similar challenges).

An exploration of significant others’ experience with ongoing vestibular disorders

Objective: To understand the lived experiences of Significant Others (SOs) of people with ongoing vestibular symptoms.Design: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.Study sample: Ten SOs of people with ongoing vestibular symptoms were interviewed. Maximum variation sampling was used.Results: Four predominant themes were identified from the data: (1) Journey The progression of learning to understand, cope and adapt with a family member’s vestibular condition is a unique journey; (2) Ownership Participants reported varying levels of ownership of their family member’s vestibular condition. Those who considered the vestibular condition as a joint problem were often more burdened by feelings of guilt and redundancy; (3) Intangibility Participants reported inconsistent advice from healthcare professionals, struggles with understanding, and challenges obtaining a shared understanding with their own support networks; (4) Disempowerment SOs were left feeling powerless due to not knowing what to do for a family member when they experienced vestibular symptoms, and not having a comprehensive understanding of the vestibular condition.Conclusions: Ongoing vestibular symptoms have significant and diverse impacts on SOs. This study reveals a need for tailored support of SOs and supports the practice of family-centred care in this population.

What is it like to have your loved one with a severe brain injury come to rehabilitation? The experiences of significant others

Purpose: To investigate the experiences of significant others when their loved one with a severe brain injury is admitted to acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation.Main measures: A qualitative approach was undertaken; using in-depth interviews and the drawing method to elicit information on the experiences of significant others who had loved ones enter an ABI unit, early in the sub-acute rehabilitation admission.Results: Nine significant others participated in interviews and completed drawings. Seven themes were identified from the two sources of data. Themes included: Trauma; Relief; Interactions; Change; Grief and loss; Journey, and Uncertainty.Conclusions: The whole experience for the significant other is traumatic as they try to understand changes to both their loved ones and their own roles. Healthcare providers have a key role in supporting significant others as their loved ones enter rehabilitation. The role of the drawing method appears to supplement and extend data received from interviews, shedding additional light into the lived experiences of significant others of those with an acquired brain injury.Implications for rehabilitationEarly in the rehabilitation process, significant others experience emotional trauma resulting from their experience of their loved one’s trauma.It is important that health professionals interactions with significant others are respectful and kind, and that interactions around processes and communication are clear.Expertise and a tailored environment reduce stress and increase feelings of confidence in significant others.Significant others may need time to talk about their experiences with health professional staff, to support them to adjust to this major life change.

A Research Critique on Lived-in Experiences of Significant Others of Patients Admitted in Emergency Department at Selected Hospitals

A Research Critique on Lived-in Experiences of Significant Others of Patients Admitted in Emergency Department at Selected Hospitals

Beliefs about weight and breast cancer: an interview study with high risk women following a 12month weight loss intervention.

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Lifestyle factors including excess weight contribute to risk of developing the disease. Whilst the exact links between weight and breast cancer are still emerging, it is imperative to explore how women understand these links and if these beliefs impact on successful behaviour change.MethodOverweight/obese premenopausal women (aged 35–45) with a family history of breast cancer (lifetime risk 17–40%) were invited to a semi-structured interview following their participation in a 12 month weight loss intervention aimed at reducing their risk of breast cancer. Interviews were carried out with 9 women who successfully achieved ≥5% weight loss and 11 who were unsuccessful. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes were developed from the analysis. The first theme how women construct and understand links between weight and breast cancer risk is composed of two subthemes, the construction of weight and breast cancer risk and making sense of weight and breast cancer risk. This theme explores women’s understanding of what contributes to breast cancer risk and whether they believe that weight loss could reduce their breast cancer risk. The second theme motivation and adherence to weight loss interventions explains that breast cancer risk can be a motivating factor for adherence to a weight loss intervention. The final theme, acceptance of personal responsibility for health is composed of two subthemes responsibility for one’s own health and responsibility for family health through making sensible lifestyle choices.ConclusionBeliefs about weight and breast cancer risk were informed by social networks, media reports and personal experiences of significant others diagnosed with breast cancer. Our study has highlighted common doubts, anxieties and questions and the importance of providing a credible rationale for weight control and weight loss which addresses individual concerns. Counselling and health education material should be tailored to facilitate understanding of both genetic and modifiable risk factors and should do more help individuals to visualise the weight and breast cancer link.

Uptake of tamoxifen in consecutive premenopausal women under surveillance in a high-risk breast cancer clinic.

Background:Randomised trials of tamoxifen versus placebo indicate that tamoxifen reduces breast cancer risk by approximately 33%, yet uptake is low. Approximately 10% of women in our clinic entered the IBIS-I prevention trial. We assess the uptake of tamoxifen in a consecutive series of premenopausal women not in a trial and explore the reasons for uptake through interviews.Methods:All eligible women between 33 and 46 years at ⩾17% lifetime risk of breast cancer and undergoing annual mammography in our service were invited to take a 5-year course of tamoxifen. Reasons for accepting (n=15) or declining (n=15) were explored using semi-structured interviews.Results:Of 1279 eligible women, 136 (10.6%) decided to take tamoxifen. Women >40 years (74 out of 553 (13.4%)) and those at higher non-BRCA-associated risk were more likely to accept tamoxifen (129 out of 1109 (11.6%)). Interviews highlighted four themes surrounding decision making: perceived impact of side effects, the impact of others' experience on beliefs about tamoxifen, tamoxifen as a ‘cancer drug', and daily reminder of cancer risk.Conclusions:Tamoxifen uptake was similar to previously ascertained uptake in a randomised controlled trial (IBIS-I). Concerns were similar in women who did or did not accept tamoxifen. Decision making appeared to be embedded in the experience of significant others.

Review: a meta‐synthesis of qualitative research into needs and experiences of significant others to critically ill or injured patients

This study aimed to describe the significant others' experiences and needs when a person is critically ill or injured in an acute care setting. Being a significant other to a hospitalised critically ill or injured patient is a heavily distressing life event. Addressing significant others' needs adequately has been shown to be essential to mitigate the psychological consequences of such distressing events. A systematic review of qualitative research. Meta-ethnographic synthesis was used for analysis. The key findings are described in five major themes: uncertainty and emotional 'roller coaster'; information--balancing hope and reality; to guard and to protect the loved one; alliance with caregivers--crucial support; and social network--support and disequilibrium. The study can provide a broader understanding of the significant others' situation. They are facing an overwhelming and emotionally challenging situation and need to be seen and heard. The results point towards the nurses' key position in handling the needs of the significant others. This kind of description might be helpful in taking on this delicate task and might also serve as a body of knowledge to influence clinical practice guidelines and nursing interventions in this field.

Lived experience of significant others of persons with diabetes

To elucidate the lived experience of being a significant other of a person with diabetes. A person's illness has consequences not only for the affected. Despite an increasing number of studies on significant others, there have been few about the experience of being a significant other of a person with diabetes. Phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Fifteen significant others of persons with diabetes were interviewed. The interviews were conversational, starting with an open question. They were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The texts were analysed and interpreted. The meaning of the lived experienced as narrated by the significant others is presented by way of four major themes: living in concern about the other's health, striving to be involved, experiencing confidence and handling the illness. Many significant others said that they lived a normal life and had come to accept diabetes as a normal part of life. At the same time, the significant others experienced sorrow when they saw the health of the person with diabetes deteriorate over time. Living near a person with diabetes meant being constantly attentive to how the person was feeling. The significant others wanted to be involved in the illness by the persons with diabetes and healthcare staff. They felt confidence both in the way the person with diabetes handled the illness and in the ongoing research about diabetes. The significant others had found ways to handle the illness but lacked support from healthcare staff. Nurses need to provide support for significant others as well as good caring for the patients and this requires a profound understanding of significant others from their own perspective.

Significant Others of Persons with AIDS

Abstract Any life-threatening condition is likely to have an impact on those with emotional or psychological attachment to the affected person. It was anticipated that the nature of the AIDS infection and its frequent association with specific life-styles might have some unique, and as yet poorly identified, bearing on the experiences of significant others. This study was an initial attempt to address the question, “What are the experiences, concerns, and needs of adult significant others of persons diagnosed with AIDS?” using Grounded Theory methods. Ten adult significant others (parents, siblings, friends, and partners), ages 32 to 74, were interviewed in-depth to elicit descriptions of their experiences. Transcripts of interviews were coded and analyzed substantively for major descriptive categories. Seven broad categories were identified and labeled as: “Disclosure,” “Hope vs. Hopelessness,” “Changing Relationships,” “Character Portrayal,” “Advocacy,” “Motivation,” and “Geographical Separation.” Subjects universally reported their experiences as different from any previous experiences. The course of the disease process, the lack of public knowledge and acceptance, and their own needs for community involvement were some of the differences identified. Implications include the need for recognition of and sensitivity to this population as one with often unmet, unique concerns, and the need for future study.