In-depth Interviews (in-depth + interview)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Dieting among Adolescent Girls and Their Mothers: An Interpretive Study

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES RESEARCH JOURNAL, Issue 4 2000
Jennifer Paff Ogle
This interpretive study focused on mothers' and their adolescent daughters' diet-related thoughts and behaviors and explored the possibility that daughters model their mothers' patterns. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 mothers and their adolescent daughters. Grounded theory analysis revealed that mothers'diet-related experiences were complex, varying across the life span. Among daughters, three types of dieters emerged: nondieters; short-term, low-commitment dieters; and serious dieters. Both mothers and daughters distinguished between "going on a diet" and "watching what you eat." Mother and daughter dieting and watching patterns varied in terms of content, duration, and motive. Findings indicated that modeling effects alone cannot adequately explain diet-related patterns of mothers and their daughters. Intervening variables, such as a daughter's degree of identification with her mother or a mother's verbal reinforcement of a modeled attitude, may affect whether a child models a given maternal behavior. [source]


Developing world class commissioning competencies in care services in England: the role of the service improvement agency

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 3 2010
Michelle Cornes BA (Hons) PhD
Abstract This article provides an insight into the support needs of health and social care commissioners seeking to develop world class commissioning competencies and the role of service improvement agencies in meeting these needs. Reporting findings from the evaluation of one service improvement agency based in England, we focus on the ,improvement supports' (the products and services) that were delivered by the ,Care Services Improvement Partnership' through its ,Better Commissioning Programme'. In-depth interviews were carried out with 25 care commissioners (n = 25) exploring how the Programme was used in their day to day work, its perceived value and limitations. Given the lack of employer-led training and induction we conclude that service improvement agencies play an important role in developing commissioners' skills and competencies. However, we suggest that achieving world class commissioning may depend on a more fundamental rethink of commissioning organisations' approaches to learning and development. [source]


Is peer injecting a form of intimate partner abuse?

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 5 2007
A qualitative study of the experiences of women drug users
Abstract Women are over-represented as the recipients of injections of illicit drugs and are often injected by their intimate partners. This study used qualitative research to explore women drug users' experiences of abuse from intimate partners when being injected with illicit drugs. In-depth interviews were conducted with 45 women drug users in the city of Leeds and the area of North Nottinghamshire, UK. The practice of peer injecting illicit drugs places women recipients at risk of physical, economic and emotional abuse from their male intimate partner injectors. However, this was not a universal feature. In trusting, supportive intimate partner relationships peer injecting took place through reciprocal arrangements. Moving away from peer injecting was technically and emotionally difficult for women and rarely straightforward. The implications of the work are discussed as clinicians and wider drug service staff should be aware of the possibility of abuse and enquire about peer injecting when consulting with women injecting drug users. However, clinicians should avoid working within a simplistic clinical framework that views all peer injecting as intrinsically abusive. More research is needed to provide evidence for best practice. Until then, generic principles of best practice management of intimate partner abuse could apply, including enhancing women's motivation to effect change in an abusive situation. [source]


From retirement village to residential aged care: what older people and their families say

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 1 2007
Julianne Cheek PhD BEd DipT
Abstract The majority of older Australians, some of whom live in retirement villages, wish to remain living in their own home, receiving care in the community when their health and/or other circumstances change. Current statistics show that 3.7% of people aged 65 years and over live in a retirement village in Australia. However, residential aged care will still be required for some highly dependent members of the older population. This qualitative Australian study examined the transition into residential care from one form of community housing, the retirement village. In-depth interviews with 33 older people and 48 family members were conducted to illuminate the key issues and factors which influence the move of older people from retirement villages to residential aged care. Analysis of the data revealed the move to be influenced by: health-related crises; the creation of doubt as to ability to cope in the retirement village; the need for more or different care or support services; the desire for independence; assumptions about being able to move into the residential aged care facility co-located with the retirement village; availability of a place; navigating the system; and desirable aspects of a residential aged care facility. The findings of the study provide a description of the transition process from the perspectives of those directly affected, and contribute to the development of best practice in the provision of support to residents living in retirement villages and the community in general. [source]


The Evolutionary Role of Interorganizational Communication: Modeling Social Capital in Disaster Contexts

HUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 2 2010
Marya L. Doerfel
Employing a community ecology perspective, this study examines how interorganizational (IO) communication and social capital (SC) facilitated organizational recovery after Hurricane Katrina. In-depth interviews with 56 New Orleans organizations enabled longitudinal analysis and a grounded theory model that illustrates how communication differentiated four phases of recovery: personal emergency, professional emergency, transition, rebuilding. Communicative action taking place across phases corresponds with the evolutionary mechanisms. Most organizations did not turn to interorganizational relationships (IORs) until the transitional phase, during which indirect ties were critical and incoming versus outgoing communication was substantively different. Organizations did not consistently use IO SC until the last phase. This study underlines the fact that organizations and their systems are fundamentally human and (re)constructed through communicative action. Le rôle évolutionnaire de la communication interorganisationnelle : la présentation du capital social en contextes de désastres Marya L. Doerfel, Chih-Hui Lai, & Lisa V. Chewning Adoptant la perspective de l'écologie des communautés, cette étude examine la manière dont la communication interorganisationnelle et le capital social ont facilité le rétablissement organisationnel après l'ouragan Katrina. Des entretiens en profondeur avec 56 organisations de la Nouvelle-Orléans ont permis une analyse longitudinale et un modèle de théorie ancrée illustrant la manière dont la communication distinguait quatre stades de rétablissement : l'urgence personnelle, l'urgence professionnelle, la transition et la reconstruction. L'action communicationnelle ayant lieu à travers les stades correspond aux mécanismes évolutionnaires. La plupart des organisations ne se sont pas tournées vers les relations interorganisationnelles avant le stade de transition, au cours duquel les liens indirects étaient cruciaux et la communication entrante était significativement différente de la communication sortante. Les organisations n'utilisaient pas systématiquement le capital social interorganisationnel avant le dernier stade. Cette étude souligne le fait que les organisations et leurs systèmes sont fondamentalement humains et (re)construits à travers l'action communicationnelle. Die evolutionäre Rolle von Kommunikation zwischen Organisationen: Die Modellierung von sozialem Kapital im Kontext von Katastrophen Marya L. Doerfel, Chih-Hui Lai, & Lisa V. Chewning Unter Anwendung einer gesellschaftsökonomischen Perspektive untersucht diese Studie, wie Kommunikation zwischen Organisationen und soziales Kapital die Erholung von Organisationen nach Hurrikan Katrina erleichterte. Tiefeninterviews mit 56 Organisationen in New Orleans ermöglichten eine Längsschnittanalyse und ein Grounded Theory Modell, welches zeigt, wie die Kommunikation sich in vier Phasen der Regeneration unterteilt: persönlicher Notfall, professioneller Notfall, Übergang, Erneuerung. Kommunikatives Handeln, welches in allen Phasen stattfand, korrespondiert mit evolutionären Mechanismen. Die meisten Organisationen wandten sich nicht Beziehungen zwischen Organisationen zu bis sie in die transitionale Phase kamen, in welcher indirekte Beziehungen wichtig waren und eingehende versus ausgehende Kommunikation fundamental verschieden waren. Organisationen nutzen soziales Kapital zwischen Organisationen durchgehend bis auf die letzte Phase. Die Studie unterstreicht die Tatsache, dass Organisationen und ihre Systeme elementar menschlich sind und durch kommunikatives Handeln konstruiert und rekonstruiert werden. El Rol Evolucionario de la Comunicación entre Organizaciones: Modelando el Capital Social en los Contextos de Desastre Marya L. Doerfel, Chih-Hui Lai, & Lisa V. Chewning School of Communication and Information Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA Resumen Empleando una perspectiva de comunidad ecológica, este estudio examina cómo la comunicación entre organizaciones y el capital social (SC) facilitaron la recuperación después del Huracán Katrina. Entrevistas en profundidad de 56 organizaciones de Nuevo Orleans permitieron un análisis longitudinal y un modelo de teoría construido sobre los datos que ilustran cómo la comunicación diferenció 4 fases de recuperación: emergencia personal, emergencia profesional, transición y reconstrucción. La acción comunicativa se lleva a cabo a través de las fases correspondientes con los mecanismos de evolución. La mayoría de las organizaciones no recurrieron a las relaciones entre organizaciones (IORs) hasta la fase transicional, durante la cual los lazos indirectos fueron críticos y la comunicación de entrada versus la de salida fueron substantivamente diferentes. Las organizaciones no son consistentemente usadas con IO SC hasta la última fase. Este estudio subraya el hecho que las organizaciones y sus sistemas son fundamentalmente humanos y (re)construidos a través de la acción de la comunicación. [source]


Old Age Protection in the Context of Rural Development

IDS BULLETIN, Issue 4 2010
Xiaomei Pei
This study examines the potential of rural communities for generating and allocating resources for rural old age support in the context of decreasing family resources and inadequate state provision. In-depth interviews with elderly people, their families, community leaders and government officials of three villages, respectively located in three provinces provide us with clear evidence on existing local institutional arrangements for rural old age support and the role of both government and community in organising such programmes. They confirm the potential of rural communities to generate and distribute resources for old age support, offering community opportunities for social inclusion through fair flows of resources to promote social harmony and stability, and accelerating economic growth. The findings of the study imply that there is a need for policymakers to link the state effort for old age protection to rural community development, and encourage grassroots efforts in old age support. [source]


The marketing and public relations practices of Australian performing arts presenters

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONPROFIT & VOLUNTARY SECTOR MARKETING, Issue 2 2002
Heath McDonald
Although arts organisations are often said to be underdeveloped in marketing and management areas, it is unclear whether this is actually an intentional response to the atypical environment in which they exist, or simply a result of limited skills and resources. This paper looks at performing arts presenters (PAPs) in two Australian States, profiling what they do in the way of marketing, how sophisticated they are at it and the reasons they behave the way they do. In-depth interviews with marketing managers indicated that PAPs are confused about the role of marketing, relying instead mainly on public relations. While it was widely acknowledged that marketing would be beneficial, the marketing that is executed is generally ad hoc and basic. This lack of marketing action is due primarily to a paucity of skills and resources and a historical preference for public relations, not as a considered response to the arts environment. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications [source]


The evidence-based supply of non-prescription medicines: barriers and beliefs

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 2 2004
Margaret C. Watson MRC fellow
ABSTRACT Context The reclassification of prescription only medicines (POMs) to pharmacy only (P) and general sale list (GSL) status is ongoing in the UK. Pharmacy staff need support to ensure the appropriate supply of these non-prescription medicines (NPMs). Objective To investigate the type of evidence used in the decision to supply NPMs and the barriers associated with their supply. Methods A participant observation study was conducted in nine pharmacies in one area of Scotland (Grampian). In-depth interviews were conducted with one pharmacist and one medicine counter assistant (MCA) from each pharmacy to explore and compare their attitudes and beliefs towards evidence-based practice (EBP) and the supply of NPMs. Key findings Most consultations were product requests. Pharmacy staff had little awareness or understanding of the term EBP and no specific evidence was used in the majority of consultations. Pharmacists' attitudes towards EBP varied. Personal experience or feedback from customers were cited as evidence upon which treatment recommendations were based. Many barriers and problems were associated with the supply of NPMs. These included: lack of evidence; MCAs' self-perception of their role; questioning and communication skills; safety; and training needs. There was a gap between pharmacists' and MCAs' perceptions of who should be referred to the pharmacist. Many staff used the WWHAM mnemonic for questioning customers, but this was often used as a matter of rote rather than as a framework to engage the customer in a relevant and constructive consultation. The development of adequate communication skills to allow core information to be obtained to support decision making needs to be addressed. Conclusion An increased awareness of EBP and its role in quality care needs to be promoted to community pharmacists and MCAs. There is currently no formal continuing education provision or requirement for MCAs in the UK. Pharmacy staff, particularly MCAs, require continuing education on the supply of NPMs. [source]


Not just surviving, but thriving: perceived strengths of successful US-based travel agencies

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008
David Bruce Weaver
Abstract In-depth interviews with owners of 19 exceptionally successful US-based travel agencies were analyzed using a ground theory approach to reveal customer service excellence, employee enrichment and effective networking as three core perceived strengths that comprise a theme of ,relationship building'. The latter is supported by a theme of ,facilitation' entailing diligent client selection, a culture of learning, high adaptability (related to technology and product realignment), scale, adherence to business basics, and owner optimism. Together, both themes suggest a macro-theme of ,deep commitment'. The results provide guidelines for aspiring travel agency owners. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Student characteristics and subculture trends in interpersonal skills workshops

INTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 3 2002
C ert E d, J. Gilmartin P h D
Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of student nurses when learning interpersonal skills and to examine the impact of small group work. A qualitative methodology was used. The sample comprised 50 student nurses who were undertaking the preregistration diploma course. In-depth interviews were employed to collect the data. The findings indicated that many students resisted learning owing to a range of personal characteristics that influenced the learning process. A student typology was constructed which highlighted four types of student characteristics that emerged from the data. Significant characteristics relating to each type of student behaviour are emphasized. This report also combines the student typology with the emergence of three distinct subcultures that frequently both interrupt and enhance learning. In presenting the subcultures the implications for group work are considered in conjunction with study limitations. [source]


Chronic sorrow in parents of children with type 1 diabetes

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 5 2009
Susan Bowes
Abstract Title.,Chronic sorrow in parents of children with type 1 diabetes. Aim., This paper reports on a study exploring parents' longer-term experiences of having a child with type 1 diabetes. Background., Parents of children with type 1 diabetes may experience a grief reaction at diagnosis similar to that normally associated with bereavement, but little is known about their long-term emotional adaptation. Chronic sorrow, a sustained but intermittent grief reaction, is identified in adults with diabetes but has not previously been explored in relation to parents. Methodology., In-depth interviews were conducted in 2007 with a convenience sample of 17 parents of children with type 1 diabetes 7,10 years after diagnosis. Data were explored within a theoretical framework of grief, loss, adaptation, and change. Findings., Parents had adapted to the needs of diabetes management but most had not ,come to terms' with the diagnosis. They experienced a resurgence of grief at critical times during their child's development and some, particularly mothers, became upset during their interviews, even though these took place 7,10 years after their child's diagnosis. Mothers elaborated more on their emotions than fathers, but continuing feelings associated with grief, such as anger and guilt, were expressed by both fathers and mothers. Conclusion., Greater understanding of parents' long-term emotional responses and recognition that grief may never resolve in these parents may enable healthcare professionals to provide appropriate and timely support at critical times. [source]


Problem-solving competency of nursing graduates

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 5 2004
Leana R. Uys DSocSc
Aim., This paper reports a study describing and evaluating the outcomes of problem-based learning (PBL) programmes in nursing schools in South Africa in terms of the competence of graduates to solve problem in actual clinical settings, and comparing this competence with that of graduates from non-PBL programmes. Background., The nursing literature tends to equate problem-solving with patient-centred problems or the nursing process. However, it is also a skill used in managing the work role, working in a team and managing a health care unit. Problem-solving refers to the process of selectively attending to information in a patient care setting. The investigation of problem-solving in nursing is complicated by the complex relationships between different cognitive processes. Methods., A qualitative evaluation study, descriptive and comparative in nature, was carried out. In-depth interviews were held with graduates and their supervisors, asking them to identify problem-solving incidents in which they had been involved. Template analysis style and Benner's interpretive approach were used to analyse the data. Findings., The majority of the incidents described by the graduates (84%) were graded at the advanced beginner level or above. The majority of incidents at the novice level came from the non-PBL group. ,Using people skills' and ,being assertive' were the two problem-solving strategies most often used. The PBL group fared better than the non-problem-based group in the level of their problem-solving ability. Conclusion., The findings of this study suggest that further research is warranted into the problem-solving abilities of PBL graduates, their personal development over time and at different stages of practice. In addition, it would be interesting to follow the development of their problem-solving abilities over time. [source]


Continuing care after cancer treatment

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 2 2003
Brian Pateman MA MPhil RN DNT
Background. Despite nearly three decades of debate and policy guidance there is evidence that, in the United Kingdom, patient hospital discharge remains problematic. District nurses, who deliver skilled home nursing care, receive referrals from hospitals for continuing nursing care needs. However, district nurses' expectations of appropriate patient referral from hospitals are not always achieved. In an attempt to improve services after hospital discharge, government policy has emphasized partnership between care providers, highlighting the need for smooth transition between care settings. Aim. To explore hospital discharge and referral procedures for patients with cancer, with particular emphasis on referrals made by hospital nurses to district nurses. Method. In-depth interviews were carried out with nurses actively involved in the discharge process as both referrers and recipients of referrals. Twenty nurses from a regional cancer centre and 20 district nurses from three adjacent primary care trusts were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically, and themes compared between the two care settings. Conclusions. We conclude that competing sets of expectations, not only between hospital and community nursing settings, but amongst district nurses themselves, are a major factor impeding agreement on referral criteria and satisfaction with the referral process. [source]


The fatigue experiences of older Taiwanese women with breast cancer

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 5-6 2010
Sung-Ling Tsai
Aims and objectives., This study explored the fatigue experiences in older Taiwanese women with breast cancer. Background., Cancer is a common disease for older people, and breast cancer ranks second in occurrence among all cancers. Fatigue is the most frequently seen symptom, with more than 90% of cancer patients having such experiences. Fatigue may lead to functional dependence, affecting the care and quality of life for this older population. Design., A qualitative design was used in this study. Methods., In-depth interviews were conducted with participants being treated at the oncology outpatient department in a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Data were collected from November 2006,March 2007. Results., The study included 15 women, aged 65,82, with breast cancer. Analysis of the interviews revealed three themes: factors related to fatigue, interpretation of fatigue and ways to deal with fatigue. The factors related to fatigue arose from treatment, symptom distress and the impact of their emotions. Participants interpreted the fatigue as an inevitable normal reaction, and they were embarrassed to share its occurrence with others. Although fatigue made participants suffer, they found the ways to decrease the feeling of fatigue using psychological adjustments, practical changes and support systems. Conclusions., Facing the multilayered influences from treatments and ageing, older women with breast cancer considered fatigue as a physical and psychological expression. By raising the awareness of fatigue, nurses can help this older population manage or relieve fatigue by controlling symptoms, providing emotional support and making related resources available. Relevance to clinical practice., The results of this study can enhance the sensitivity and evaluation abilities of nurses in dealing with the cancer-related fatigue in older women with breast cancer. [source]


Experience of Hong Kong patients awaiting kidney transplantation in mainland China

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 11c 2007
Sylvie SH Leung MN
Aim., This paper describes the experience of Hong Kong Chinese patients awaiting kidney transplantation in mainland China. Background., While travelling to mainland China for kidney transplantation is a controversial issue, there is an increasing trend of Hong Kong Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease seeking this treatment choice, which outnumbers that performed in Hong Kong. Although these patients seek pre- and post-transplantation care from Hong Kong public healthcare system, little is known about their experience during the waiting period. Methods., This experience is examined in an exploratory qualitative study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from a purposive sample of 12 kidney recipients. Results., Three major findings are identified: (i) transplant waiting patients may travel to mainland China for transplantation in search of normal life, (ii) they need informational support from their continuing healthcare providers in Hong Kong to make the informed decision and (iii) they perceive a variation of attitudes of nurses and doctors in Hong Kong towards transplantation in mainland China. Conclusions., This study contributes to the literature by researching patients' perspective. The findings highlight the importance and controversy of addressing these patients' informational needs. While the authors have no inclination for or against travelling to mainland China for transplantation, the findings reveal a tenacious clinical dilemma, which deserves debate in international transplant community and further research to inform the debate. Nurse and doctors in Hong Kong may contribute to the debate by articulating their experience of caring for these patients. Relevance to clinical practice., Health information that is readily available for patients scheduled for kidney transplantation in Hong Kong should be made accessible to the whole community of patients with chronic kidney disease. To address the complexity of patients travelling to elsewhere for transplantation and the needs of these patients, provider reticence may be counterproductive. [source]


Information needs of women with non-invasive breast cancer

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 5 2000
Marina Brown BN
,,The purpose of this inquiry was to gain a better understanding of the experience of women who have had surgery for non-invasive breast cancer. In particular, issues surrounding information were explored. ,,Six women who had undergone surgery for a non-invasive breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS) participated in the research and an interpretive approach was used to guide the research process. ,,In-depth interviews took place in the women's homes and the interviews were transcribed verbatim. ,,Through a process of familiarization with the tapes and transcripts, clusters of significant statements were assembled into individual stories of each woman's experience. ,,The findings highlight the individual nature of the experience of information, with the women wanting information that is tailored to their personal needs. ,,Nurses can provide care that is more responsive to the information needs of each woman by being aware of the diverse ways in which women experience information. ,,This small study contributes to the limited understanding of the experience of having surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ and the information needs of these women. [source]


Negative consequences of community group participation for women's mental health and well-being: Implications for gender aware social capital building

JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Katy Osborne
Abstract Participation in community groups is argued to be an important way to create health-promoting social capital. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the ways in which gender affects the health promotion potential of participation. This paper reports on a qualitative study of women's experiences of participation in a diverse range of community groups, and considers how such involvement can potentially have a negative impact upon mental well-being. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women in Adelaide, South Australia. Women's accounts of their group involvement reflected that their identities as mothers were particularly important in shaping their participation. Some women reported difficulties in combining group involvement with their family responsibilities. Stress attached to negotiating social interaction within groups was also raised as an issue. It was found that participation can reinforce gender inequality and potentially have severe negative consequences for mental health, issues that need to be considered alongside the potential health benefits. The findings are considered in light of Bourdieu's critical conceptualization of social capital. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Parental consumer learning or ,keeping up with the children'

JOURNAL OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR, Issue 4 2007
Karin M. Ekström
Children are socialized as consumers earlier now than any other time in history. The rapidly changing pace of society especially with regards to technology, information processing, transportation, etc. makes it possible for them to experience purchasing and consumption at a much faster rate than that of their parents. Children may possess knowledge which their parents lack and they may share their experience and knowledge and in so doing influence their parents. It can result in parents learning about consumption from their children, something which has not been sufficiently acknowledged by previous research. The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of how consumption patterns and knowledge are transferred from children to parents. In-depth interviews carried out with ,children' of age group 13,30 show that they contributed information prior to and during the purchase, but also afterwards by helping to instal or showing parents how to use a product. The adolescents and adult children had often introduced new products to their parents and made them aware of recent trends. Often they also seemed to deal more easily with new technology than their parents. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


What criteria do patients use when judging the effectiveness of psoriasis management?

JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2002
Steven J. Ersser PhD BSc (Hon) RGN CertTHEd
Abstract Judgements on the effectiveness of psoriasis management are based on clinical criteria employed by dermatologists, and how they take account of patients' experiences in the process of history taking. In this study the aim was to gain the in-depth patients' perspective and investigate the criteria that they employ when making judgements about the effectiveness of their therapy. These findings were then compared with the clinical and research literature on the clinical effectiveness of psoriasis treatments. The study design is exploratory-descriptive, using a qualitative ethnographic approach. In-depth interviews were undertaken in an outpatient department dermatology clinic. A purposive sample of 20 adult patients currently attending represented the following types of psoriasis: guttate, chronic plaque and scalp. A key comparable finding between the literature and the interview data is that dermatologists emphasize observable criteria of effectiveness, such as clearance of the lesion, whereas patients emphasis focuses on the subjective concerns, such as suppleness, softness and alleviation of itch. This discrepancy needs to be considered during history taking, in relation to its impact on therapy concordance and in the use and development of outcome measures used for clinical assessment and evaluations of psoriasis therapy. [source]


An exploration of factors that influence the regular consumption of water by Irish primary school children

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2008
C. Johnston Molloy
Abstract Background, Inadequate hydration has been linked to many factors that may impact on children's education and health. Teachers play an important role in the education and behaviour of children. Previous research has demonstrated low water intake amongst children and negative teachers' attitudes to water in the classroom. The present study aimed to explore teachers' knowledge about water and the perceived barriers to allowing children access to water during lesson time. Methods, In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 teachers from primary schools in the Midlands of Ireland. Interviews were continued until there was saturation of the data. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Results, Participants had a poor knowledge of hydration requirements and the associated health benefits and effect on concentration. Low water intake amongst teachers and pupils, and barriers such as disruption to class and increased need to urinate, were reported. Teachers identified the hydration effect on learning as the education message most likely to influence the decision to allow water in the classroom. Conclusions, The issues, opinions and perceived barriers raised by teachers as part of this qualitative research provide a basis for future health promotion around water. [source]


Gay Men: Negotiating Procreative, Father, and Family Identities

JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, Issue 2 2007
Dana Berkowitz
Our qualitative study examines the social psychology of gay men's experiences with their procreative, father, and family identities. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 childless gay men and 20 gay men in the United States who have fathered using diverse means excluding heterosexual intercourse. By focusing on men aged 19 , 55 residing primarily in Florida and New York, our novel analysis illuminates how emerging structural opportunities and shifting constraints shape gay men's procreative consciousness. Findings reveal that gay men's procreative consciousness evolves throughout men's life course, and is profoundly shaped by institutions and ruling relations, such as adoption and fertility agencies, assumptions about gay men, and negotiations with birth mothers, partners, and others. [source]


Living with a spouse with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the meaning of wives' experiences

JOURNAL OF NURSING AND HEALTHCARE OF CHRONIC ILLNE SS: AN INTERNATIONAL INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009
Anne H Boyle PhD
Aim., To describe and understand the meaning of the experience of living with a spouse who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Background., Living with a spouse with a chronic illness may have a profound effect on women's lives since society expects families, and especially women, to care for the chronically ill. The family member providing care and support is usually the wife. Design., This study investigated the wife's experience of living with a husband's chronic illness. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to describe and understand the experience of women living with a spouse who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to determine the meaning this experience has for their lives. Methods., In-depth interviews were conducted with ten women whose husbands had mild to severe obstructive lung disease. Thematic analysis was based on interpretive methods. Data were collected in 1997. Results., The findings are presented as two clusters, living with everyday illness and surviving the illness. Everyday illness includes monitoring, regulating activity, integrating illness effects, and managing technologies. Surviving the illness includes riding the roller coaster, keep on going, garnering support and finding explanations. Conclusions., The spouse's illness had a major influence on these women's lives, and the effects are very complex and interwoven with one another. Relevance to clinical practice., Health professionals can have a major role in assisting women to both live with the everyday illness and to survive its effects. Women were eager to tell their stories. Health professionals can help women deal with the experience by forming support groups and by asking the ,How can I help?' question more often and then actively listening to expressed concerns. Supporting women in their monitoring and regulating role is especially critical. [source]


Quality of life: a basis for clinical decision-making in community psychiatric care

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 6 2004
E. H. CLARK rn msn med phd
This descriptive study used grounded theory methodology to illuminate how the concept of quality of life influences the practice of community psychiatric nurses caring for individuals with serious mental illnesses. In-depth interviews captured the practice wisdom of expert nurses. Data were verified through focus groups, member checks and peer debriefing. The constant comparative method was used to categorize data and identify key themes and concepts. Informants regarded the concept of quality of life as central to nursing practice. They cited examples of how it serves as a goal and philosophy of care, a basis for forming relationships, and a lens through which the nursing role becomes clearer. Quality of life is acknowledged to be a subjective concept. It is assessed in light of the individual's hopes, dreams and values, and within the context of his or her whole life. A quality of life focus is supported by the philosophies of holism and empowerment. Nurses promote quality of life through symptom management, educating and advocating for clients. Minimizing barriers to quality of life and helping the individual to have a broader vision of what his or her life could be, are also central to the psychiatric nursing role. [source]


Initiating Sexual Experiences: How Do Young Adolescents Make Decisions Regarding Early Sexual Activity?

JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE, Issue 4 2005
Tricia M. Michels
Understanding how young adolescents make decisions to engage in early sexual activities is vital for intervention efforts aimed at fostering positive youth development and reducing the negative outcomes of adolescent sexual behavior. In-depth interviews with 42 suburban, mostly White, ninth-grade adolescents (52% females, mean age=14.1, SD=.45) elicited accounts of their early sexual decisions. We adapted grounded theory methodology to build a model of sexual decision making from the adolescents' narratives. Six dominant categories emerged: contextual factors (relationship and personal characteristics), consideration of risks and benefits, boundary setting, boundary communication, the sexual experience, and evaluation. Our model of early sexual decision-making processes, developed from the perspectives of young adolescents, highlights active consideration of health and social risks and benefits, as well as the generation of options regarding sexual activity. The model also shows that young adolescents set clear boundaries of sexual limits and evaluate sexual experiences, suggesting a dynamic process of decision making. [source]


EARLY RESIDENT EXPERIENCES AT A NEW MIXED-INCOME DEVELOPMENT IN CHICAGO

JOURNAL OF URBAN AFFAIRS, Issue 3 2008
MARK L. JOSEPH
ABSTRACT:,Mixed-income development is an increasingly popular poverty deconcentration strategy in the United States but there have been few in-depth studies about the experiences of residents once they move in to the new housing developments. This article explores the early experiences of residents of all income levels who have moved into a new mixed-income development on the south side of Chicago. In-depth interviews have been conducted with 46 residents of the development, including 23 former public housing residents. Interviews were also conducted with a comparison group of 69 public housing residents who did not move to the development. I find that public housing movers appear to be a substantially different group than non - movers. I find that overall satisfaction with the new development is quite high among residents of all income levels. Early social relations are limited, particularly across income levels, and there are key barriers to interaction, such as physical design, stigma and assumptions based on class and housing status, and segregated associational structures. [source]


Unraveling the Ivory Fabric: Institutional Obstacles to the Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints

LAW & SOCIAL INQUIRY, Issue 1 2000
Jennie Kihnley
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 make universities liable for sexual harassment that occurs within both the employment and academic contexts. This article examines how universities implement and enforce the mandates of both Title VII and Title IX through exploratory research about sexual harassment complaint procedures at a public university system on the West Coast. In-depth interviews with personnel at each campus shed light on problems with inserting a complaint resolution process into an institution that simultaneously strives to eliminate sexual harassment, while wanting to protect itself from liability. This inherent conflict of goals is reflected in the differing roles of the Title IX office and the Women's Resource Center, in creation of a user friendly policy, and in the two branches of dispute resolution. [source]


,I found myself to be a down to earth Dutch girl': a qualitative study into learning outcomes from international traineeships

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 7 2004
Susan Niemantsverdriet
Objective, To explore learning outcomes from international traineeships for undergraduate medical students. Methods, In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 undergraduate medical students at Maastricht University Medical School, the Netherlands. The 24 subjects were selected by purposeful sampling. Results, Students reported meaningful learning outcomes in 6 domains: medical knowledge; skills; international health care organisation; international medical education; society and culture, and personal growth. Discussion, International traineeships appear to provide good opportunities for students to meet the requirements of globalisation as well as some of the generic objectives of undergraduate medical education. The tentative findings of this study need to be confirmed by further studies. [source]


Why do doctors attend traditional CME events if they don't change what they do in their surgeries?

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 10 2003
Evaluation of doctors' reasons for attending a traditional CME programme
Objective ,This study aimed to discover what the family doctors who attended an annual refresher course wished to obtain from participating in the event and what their response was to evidence that doctor behaviour is not changed by such programmes. Design ,The study used the qualitative method of in-depth interviews. Setting ,Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and the surrounding area. Participants The informants for the study were a sample of 6 family doctors who attended the 50th Annual Refresher Course for Family Physicians, held in April 2001 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Method ,In-depth interviews with the participants were conducted before and after they attended the annual refresher course. The doctors had pre-registered for the 3-day course. They were purposely selected to obtain diversity of gender, year of graduation from medical school and practice location. Results ,The doctors interviewed had 3 main reasons for attending the refresher course: to obtain information or to be updated; to be reassured that their practice behaviour was within accepted guidelines, and to hear from and interact with the specialists who gave presentations. All the participants in the study were able to name changes they had made as the result of attending a similar type of programme in the past and were sceptical of findings that practice behaviour did not change as a result of traditional continuing medical education (CME). Conclusions ,Despite current support for interactive and practice-linked educational activities, the doctors in this study valued the input of the experts who lectured at the course. These doctors were not prepared to accept the currently held precept that their behaviour did not change as a result of attendance at traditional CME programmes. [source]


Close friendships among urban, ethnic-minority adolescents

NEW DIRECTIONS FOR CHILD & ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT, Issue 107 2005
Niobe Way
In-depth interviews with ethnic-minority, low-income, urban adolescents reveal the multiple meanings of trust and closeness in friendships, the intersection of trust and distrust, and the ways in which close friendships are firmly embedded in cultural contexts. [source]


,This is like my comfort zone': Senses of place and belonging within Oru,mo/Beachhaven, New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND GEOGRAPHER, Issue 3 2006
Tim McCreanor
Abstract:, This paper examines the culturally specific experiences of belonging within Oru,mo/Beachhaven, a suburb in North Shore City. In-depth interviews with 32 caregivers of young children expose the fact that the ethnic groups represented , M,ori, Samoan and P,keh,, vary in their uses and understandings of, as well as feelings for, residential neighbourhood. Examination of the themes of natural environment, social relations, continuity of residence, facilities, organisations and place transformation reveal that, while representatives of all groups had views on these matters, there was a variable degree of engagement with and priority afforded to these concerns. [source]