Core Category (core + category)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Living with a child with a severe orofacial handicap: experiences from the perspectives of parents

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2003
Ulrika Trulsson
Orofacial functions include competences/abilities such as eating, breathing, speech/language, mimicry, as well as oral health, and disturbances are common in children with rare disorders. To describe parental experiences of orofacial function and needs in children with rare disorders, in-depth interviews focusing on orofacial function were carried out with 14 parents. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed in open, axial (theoretical) and selective coding processes according to Grounded Theory. Two core categories emerged from data in the analysis: ,the vulnerable family' and ,support perceived from others'. The data indicated the importance of a balance between these two core categories: the strain caused by living in a family with a child with a severe disability/handicap, and the availability of perceived support from caregivers and significant others. This balance was necessary for the parents in developing self-reliance and in reconciling themselves to their life situations. Parents described orofacial dysfunction in terms of feeding and communication problems, needs for orthodontic treatment to reduce risk of trauma or improve chewing, and drooling. Oral health issues such as dental caries and gingivitis were not mentioned. Five aspects of good professional attitude were recognized: respect, involvement, continuity, knowledge, and availability. [source]


The Experiences of Parents of Adolescents in Family Therapy: A Qualitative Investigation

JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 2 2010
Maryann Sheridan
While understanding clients' experiences in family therapy is becoming increasingly important, we know very little about how the parents of adolescents in family therapy perceive and experience this process. The current study uses a multicase qualitative design and constructivist theoretical framework to describe the experiences of 15 parents of adolescents attending family therapy in private practices. Constant comparative analysis revealed four core categories that described parents' therapeutic experiences: (a) pretherapy presentation, (b) supportive therapeutic climate, (c) family therapy process, and (d) reflections on the therapy experience. The implications of study findings for clinicians and researchers are presented and discussed. [source]


Rubrics for designing and evaluating online asynchronous discussions

BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Lana Penny
The purpose of the study reported on in this paper was to identify performance criteria and ratings in rubrics designed for the evaluation of learning in online asynchronous discussions (OADs) in post-secondary contexts. We analysed rubrics collected from Internet sources. Using purposive sampling, we reached saturation with the selection of 50 rubrics. Using keyword analysis and subsequent grouping of keywords into categories, we identified 153 performance criteria in 19 categories and 831 ratings in 40 categories. We subsequently identified four core categories as follows: cognitive (44.0%), mechanical (19.0%), procedural/managerial (18.29%) and interactive (17.17%). Another 1.52% of ratings and performance criteria were labelled vague and not assigned to any core category. [source]


Dental hygienists' views on communicative factors and interpersonal processes in prevention and treatment of periodontal disease

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE, Issue 3 2010
J Stenman
To cite this article: Int J Dent Hygiene,8, 2010; 213,218 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00459.x Stenman J, Wennström JL, Abrahamsson KH. Dental hygienists' views on communicative factors and interpersonal processes in prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Abstract:, Objective:, The aim of this study was to explore views of DHs on communicative issues and interpersonal processes of importance in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Method:, The qualitative method of Grounded Theory (GT) was chosen for data sampling and analysis. Audio-taped and open-ended interviews were conducted with 17 dental hygienists. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed in a hierarchical coding process, according to the principles of GT. Result:, In the analysis a core category was identified as ,to be successful in information and oral health education and managing desirable behavioural changes'. The core concept was related to four additional categories and dimensions; (i) ,to establish a trustful relationship with the patient', (ii) ,to present information about the oral health status and to give oral hygiene instructions', (iii) ,to be professional in the role as a dental hygienist' and (iv) ,to have a supportive working environment in order to feel satisfaction with the work and to reach desirable treatment results'. Conclusion:, The results describe a psychosocial process that elucidates the importance of building a trustful relationship with the patient, feeling secure in one's professional role as a DH and last but not least, the importance of having support from colleagues and the clinical manager to be successful in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. [source]


Use of perioperative dialogues with children undergoing day surgery

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2008
Berith Wennström
Abstract Title.,Use of perioperative dialogues with children undergoing day surgery Aim., This paper is a report of a study to explore what it means for children to attend hospital for day surgery. Background., Hospitalization is a major stressor for children. Fear of separation, unfamiliar routines, anaesthetic/operation expectations/experiences and pain and needles are sources of children's negative reactions. Method., A grounded theory study was carried out during 2005,2006 with 15 boys and five girls (aged 6,9 years) scheduled for elective day surgery. Data were collected using tape-recorded interviews that included a perioperative dialogue, participant observations and pre- and postoperative drawings. Findings., A conceptual model was generated on the basis of the core category ,enduring inflicted hospital distress', showing that the main problem for children having day surgery is that they are forced into an unpredictable and distressful situation. Pre-operatively, the children do not know what to expect, as described in the category ,facing an unknown reality'. Additional categories show that they perceive a ,breaking away from daily routines' and that they are ,trying to gain control' over the situation. During the perioperative period, the categories ,losing control' and ,co-operating despite fear and pain' are present and intertwined. Post-operatively, the categories ,breathing a sigh of relief' and ,regaining normality in life' emerged. Conclusion., The perioperative dialogue used in our study, if translated into clinical practice, might therefore minimize distress and prepare children for the ,unknown' stressor that hospital care often presents. Further research is needed to compare anxiety and stress levels in children undergoing day surgery involving the perioperative dialogue and those having ,traditional' anaesthetic care. [source]


Warrior nurse: duality and complementarity of role in the operational environment

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2008
Lauren Griffiths
Abstract Title.,Warrior nurse: duality and complementarity of role in the operational environment Aim., This paper is a report of a study to explore the nature of military nursing in an environment of war, in particular the union of personal, professional and organizational tenets and to identify the actual or potential effect this had on the nursing role in this unique environment. Background., The history of nursing is intrinsically linked with war. There is an irony to this relationship. Active involvement with military activities has provided a vehicle in which nursing has developed, albeit through fostering war, which itself destroys health and contravenes the ethos of nursing. Military nurses, one would assume, are able to reconcile the dichotomy existing between their caring role and being a member of an organization associated with conflict. Methods., A grounded theory design was adopted and the data were collected from 1999 to 2002 using a series of in-depth interviews and focus group with of 24 military nurses. Findings., Three categories were identified: ,It's Just Different Levels', ,That Double Hat' and ,It's Who We Are!' The first illustrates the reality of conflict. ,That Double Hat' outlines the military nurses dual role: those of caring and the military. ,It's Who We Are!' demonstrates the transition from nurse-to-warrior. These integrate to create the core category: ,Caring for War: Transition to Warrior'. Conclusion., The symbiotic relationship of carer and warrior arises as a consequence of strategies used by military nurses to embrace their dual role. Further research is needed to explore the essence of the caring role within a conflict zone from military and civilian perspectives. [source]


A theory of meaning of caregiving for parents of mentally ill children in Taiwan, a qualitative study

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 1-2 2010
Wen-Jiuan Yen
Aims and objectives., The aim of this study is to generate a theory of meaning of care-giving for parents of mentally ill children in Taiwan. Background., Studies indicate that the meaning of care-giving plays an important role in the psychological adjustment of care-givers to care-giving. With a positive meaning of care-giving, care-givers can accept their roles and adapt to them more readily. Design., The research employs the qualitative method of grounded theory, the inquiry is based on symbolic interactionism. Methods., Twenty parental care-givers of children with schizophrenia were recruited at a private hospital in central Taiwan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. A comparative method was used to analyse the text and field notes. Results., Responsibility (zeren) emerges as the core category or concept. Responsibility expresses broadly the behavioural principles that are culturally prescribed and centred on familial ethics and values. Related concepts and principles that influence caregiver actions and affections include a return of karma, challenges from local gods and fate. By maintaining their culturally prescribed interpretations of care-giving, parents hope to give care indefinitely without complaints. Conclusions., The findings clearly suggest that the meaning of care-giving is determined through a process of internal debate that is shaped by culturally specific concepts. The paper attempts to explain some of these culturally specific determinants and explanations of care-giving behaviour. Relevance to clinical practice., The theory contributes knowledge about the meaning of care-giving for parents of mentally ill children in Taiwan. It should be useful reference for mental health professionals, who provide counselling services to ethnically Taiwanese care-givers. [source]


Using a synthesised technique for grounded theory in nursing research

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 16 2009
Hsiao-Yu Chen
Aims., To introduce a synthesised technique for using grounded theory in nursing research. Background., Nursing increasingly uses grounded theory for a broadened perspective on nursing practice and research. Nurse researchers have choices in how to choose and use grounded theory as a research method. These choices come from a deep understanding of the different versions of grounded theory, including Glaser's classic grounded theory and Strauss and Corbin's later approach. Design., Grounded theory related literature review was conducted. Methods., This is a methodological review paper. Results., Nursing researchers intent on using a grounded theory methodology should pay attention to the theoretical discussions including theoretical sampling, theoretical sensitivity, constant comparative methods and asking questions, keeping memoranda diagramming, identification of a core category and a resultant explanatory theory. A synthesised approach is developed for use, based on Strauss and Corbin's style of sampling and memoranda writing, but selecting theoretical coding families, that differ from the paradigm model of Strauss and Corbin, from the wide range suggested by Glaser. This led to the development of a multi-step synthesised approach to grounded theory data analysis based on the works of Glaser, Charmaz and Strauss and Corbin. Conclusions., The use of this synthesised approach provides a true reflection of Glaser's idea of ,emergence of theory from the data' and Strauss and Corbin's style of sampling and memoranda writing is employed. This multi-step synthesised method of data analysis maintains the philosophical perspective of grounded theory. Relevance to clinical practice., This method indicates how grounded theory has developed, where it might go next in nursing research and how it may continue to evolve. [source]


The principal components model: a model for advancing spirituality and spiritual care within nursing and health care practice

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 7 2006
MPhil, McSherry Wilfred BSc
Aim., The aim of this study was to generate a deeper understanding of the factors and forces that may inhibit or advance the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care within both nursing and health care. Background., This manuscript presents a model that emerged from a qualitative study using grounded theory. Implementation and use of this model may assist all health care practitioners and organizations to advance the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care within their own sphere of practice. The model has been termed the principal components model because participants identified six components as being crucial to the advancement of spiritual health care. Design., Grounded theory was used meaning that there was concurrent data collection and analysis. Theoretical sampling was used to develop the emerging theory. These processes, along with data analysis, open, axial and theoretical coding led to the identification of a core category and the construction of the principal components model. Methods., Fifty-three participants (24 men and 29 women) were recruited and all consented to be interviewed. The sample included nurses (n = 24), chaplains (n = 7), a social worker (n = 1), an occupational therapist (n = 1), physiotherapists (n = 2), patients (n = 14) and the public (n = 4). The investigation was conducted in three phases to substantiate the emerging theory and the development of the model. Results., The principal components model contained six components: individuality, inclusivity, integrated, inter/intra-disciplinary, innate and institution. Conclusion., A great deal has been written on the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care. However, rhetoric alone will not remove some of the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that are inhibiting the advancement of the spiritual dimension in terms of theory and practice. Relevance to clinical practice., An awareness of and adherence to the principal components model may assist nurses and health care professionals to engage with and overcome some of the structural, organizational, political and social variables that are impacting upon spiritual care. [source]


Parents' Experiences, Reactions and Needs Regarding a Nonviable Fetus Diagnosed at a Second Trimester Routine Ultrasound

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 4 2008
Maria Ekelin
ABSTRACT Objective: To conceptualize women's and their partners' experiences and ways of handling the situation before, during, and after second trimester ultrasound examination with the diagnosis of a nonviable fetus. Design: A grounded theory study. Setting: A Swedish regional hospital. Participants: Nine women and 6 men (n=15) were interviewed within a year of the event. Results: The core category was Unexpected change in life. Four categories that were encompassed by the core category emerged: (a) Deceived by a false sense of security; (b) Confronting reality; (c) Grieving; and (d) Reorientation. Conclusion: These parents were unprepared for the diagnosis of a nonviable fetus. In addition to the crisis reaction, they realized that the sense of security they had experienced was false. As different care givers were involved, the need for a care plan was evident. Support from care givers was a very important factor. [source]


Pre-ICD Illness Beliefs Affect Postimplant Perceptions of Control and Patient Quality of Life

PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
CLAIRE N. HALLAS Ph.D.
Background: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device used in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, the ICD has been associated with negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, panic, and poor quality of life (QoL). Recent studies suggest that the preimplantation psychology of patients, combined with their postimplantation perceptions about their cardiac condition, are greater contributory factors than their medical status to a poor outcome. Method: Our study employed an interview-based qualitative grounded theory methodology to explore whether medical history hetereogeneity and illness beliefs impact on the QoL of 13 ICD patients. Results: Perceived control emerged as the core category related to QoL with three subsystem themes related to control: (1) illness beliefs, attributions, and appraisals; (2) coping resources and strategies; and (3) the social world. Patients at risk for the poorest adaptation were younger (<45), unemployed, and with an acute onset cardiac history. These patients interpreted their illness as severe, utilized emotion-focused coping (e.g., avoidance of situations), and believed themselves to be socially excluded. Adjusted patients used proactive problem-focused coping (e.g., normalizing) and minimized consequences of the device. Conclusions: The data developed a theoretical model of QoL, which identified perceived control, illness beliefs, and coping impacting on adjustment. From our study, we have a wider understanding of the combination psychological issues relevant to ICD patients and are able to treat those at risk with interventions to promote adjustment in the context of a society that values health and well-being. (PACE 2010; 33:256,265) [source]


,Admission into a helping plan': a watershed between positive and negative experiences in breast cancer

PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 8 2010
Sara Lilliehorn
Abstract Cancer patients are in an exposed situation that raises certain psychosocial needs in contact with health care. Previous studies have mainly investigated these needs by assessments on pre-defined categories. Objective: The purpose of the present study is, from the patients' perspective, to identify breast cancer patients' psychosocial needs, and to synthesise them in a model reflecting the core of these needs. Methods: Seventy-one patients treated with radiation therapy were consecutively included and repeatedly interviewed about their experiences of health care. ,Critical incidents' where identified from the interviews and analysed due to the similarities,differences technique in grounded theory. Results: Four categories of needs where detected: ,access', ,information', ,treatment' and ,how approached'. These categories and their properties merged into a core category,,admission into a helping plan'. These findings are well understood in terms of attachment theory. In times of immanent danger and stress people strive to find a ,safe haven' to attach to. Cancer patients' ,safe haven' can be described as ,a helping plan'. It is not the result of a separate patient,caregiver relationship but is created by a pattern of individual experiences from all kind of contacts with the health-care system as a whole. Conclusions: The presented model of patients needs as converging into ,admission into a helping plan' may serve as an easily comprehendible model for caregivers, guiding them to contribute to the patient's feeling of security and trust, and thus to the patient's own ,hope work'. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Rubrics for designing and evaluating online asynchronous discussions

BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Lana Penny
The purpose of the study reported on in this paper was to identify performance criteria and ratings in rubrics designed for the evaluation of learning in online asynchronous discussions (OADs) in post-secondary contexts. We analysed rubrics collected from Internet sources. Using purposive sampling, we reached saturation with the selection of 50 rubrics. Using keyword analysis and subsequent grouping of keywords into categories, we identified 153 performance criteria in 19 categories and 831 ratings in 40 categories. We subsequently identified four core categories as follows: cognitive (44.0%), mechanical (19.0%), procedural/managerial (18.29%) and interactive (17.17%). Another 1.52% of ratings and performance criteria were labelled vague and not assigned to any core category. [source]