Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Empathy , Interpersonal Relations , Research Personnel , Communication , Dementia/psychology , HumansABSTRACT
This qualitative study analyzed stillbirth notification messages recalled by parents who strongly agreed (n = 47) and strongly disagreed (n = 43) that the way news about the death of their infant was delivered negatively impacted their grieving process. Three message elements formed a core stillbirth notification experience (delay of news delivery; expression of sympathy; communication of death), and three additional message elements occurred in both data sets (communication regarding options; expression of uncertainty; exit of health care provider); however, the messages differed in form and frequency between the two groups. Three message elements reflected opposing experiences for the two groups (support of parent emotion; continuity of care; and information provision). Recommendations for stillbirth notification that emphasize acknowledging parent perceptions, clear language and information, empathetic communication, and continuity of care are given.
Subject(s)
Bereavement , Counseling/methods , Parental Notification , Parents/psychology , Professional-Family Relations , Stillbirth/psychology , Adult , Anecdotes as Topic , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Parent-Child Relations , Young AdultABSTRACT
Family caregivers reflect understandings of dementia, persons with dementia, and their changing role through metaphors. Analyzing transcripts from a support group for spouses of persons with dementia, 14 core metaphors for dementia, caregiving/caregiver, and persons with dementia were identified. By using these metaphors, nurses can aid familial caregiver understanding and well-being.
Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Dementia/nursing , Dementia/psychology , Family Nursing/methods , Metaphor , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Communication , Family Health , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
A family member who is present when a loved one is dying in a hospital setting may be profoundly affected by interactions with others in that setting, including the dying person. Interaction shapes how one experiences a loved one's death and dying. Framed in relational dialectics theory, this qualitative case study describes dialectical contradictions I experienced in the context of my grandmother dying in a hospital setting. Personal journals were analyzed, with three primary dialectics being identified: certainty-uncertainty, control-lack of control, and autonomy-connection. Understanding dialectical contradictions experienced by a family member when a loved one is dying in a hospital setting could lead to enhanced support services for family members.
Subject(s)
Attitude to Death , Caregivers/psychology , Family Relations , Professional-Family Relations , Terminal Care/methods , Aged, 80 and over , Anecdotes as Topic , Decision Making , Female , Hospitalization , Hospitals, Rural , HumansABSTRACT
Support groups continue to be one of the most needed and desired forms of help for family caregivers to persons with dementia. Though the effects of caregiver support group participation have been examined, the benefits and limitations of the dynamics of support group conversations have been neglected. This study focuses on the perceived consequences of group dynamics. Three themes-balance, sameness, and individuality-emerged through analysis of open-ended interviews with support group members following observations of their meetings. The consequences of these themes are illustrated with a case study and the implications of these themes for practitioners are discussed.
