A phenomenological framework for psychiatric nursing research

This article describes a framework developed to support phenomenological research within the context of psychiatric nursing. Phenomenology involves the construction of social reality from the perspectives of those living within a situation. This research approach is of value to psychiatric nurses because of the essence of their practice and the unique nature of their clients' realities. Developing a phenomenological approach to research involves more than selecting a method to direct data collection and analysis. This framework integrates phenomenology as a philosophy and methodology with a method for analysis of the experience of living with a mental illness.     

The phenomenological movement: implications for nursing research

This paper presents a comparison of the phenomenologies of Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger with the aim of highlighting some of the critical distinctions between these two 'schools' of phenomenology concerning the methodological implications of each approach for nursing research Specifically, the paper examines the implications of epistemology versus ontology, issues relating to validity, the involvement of the researcher, and aspects relating to interpretation     

Experiences of mastectomised women. A phenomenological study

ObjectiveTo understand the life experience of women with mastectomy in relation to their disease, analysing what leads some women to have breast reconstruction and others not to do so. Identify the situation of mastectomised women with lymphoedemas, alopecia and other problems.MethodPhenomenological qualitative research. Twenty-nine in-depth interviews were conducted on the women through specific informants in the oncology services of the Hospital Vall d’Hebron; and the gynaecology unit at the Salud La Mina Primary Care Centre in Barcelona. The age range was between 20 and 69 years.ResultsThrough the analysis of the interviews it was possible to reveal the phenomenon in research. The following subjects were those of most relevance: there women with reconstructed and non-reconstructed breasts, and a mutilated body image through the loss of one or both breasts. Participation of women in social occasions, use of clothing and lifestyle. The cancer is visualised: lymphoedemas, loss of hair with an affect on the public image.ConclusionsYounger women, graduates and middle class ladies and those over 40 with a primary education are those that have a breast reconstruction. Middle-high and high class graduates do not have a breast reconstruction. They negotiate their relationship with their partner in other ways.     

Experiences of nursing students during clinical education in mental health clinics: A phenomenological qualitative study

AimNursing students have both positive and negative experiences during clinical education. This study was conducted to identify experiences of nursing students during clinical education in mental health clinics.DesignThis phenomenological qualitative design study was conducted with 4th year undergraduate nursing students from a university in Turkey to identify their experiences specifically in mental health clinics.MethodsThe data were collected using focus groups interviews with 40 nursing students and assessed with the 7-stage phenomenological analysis method described by Colaizzi.ResultsThree main themes were determined: (i) the need for supportive interventions to cope with negative emotions; (ii) difficulty in translating theoretical knowledge into practice; and (iii) the lack of role model nurses and teaching staff.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that supportive interventions should be given to nursing students before clinical education. Also, the duration of clinical education, the teaching methods to be used and role model nurses and teaching staff effectiveness in clinical education should be planned carefully.     

Reflections on phenomenological research in nursing

This essay is concerned with the question which philosophical traditions underpin the phenomenological perspective in nursing research. The word phenomenology is often used synonymously on the level of the theory of science as well as on the level of research methods. Besides the similarity in the designation of phenomenology as a philosophical tradition and as a research method, there are to be found a number of terms in the nursing literature, such as hermeneutic, interpretive or interpretative phenomenology. Therefore it is hard to differentiate between the various accounts and to use them for a concrete inquiry in nursing. The differences and the resulting consequences for phenomenological research methods shall be described whereby the ideas of Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger are taken into account.     

Enhancing subject recruitment for nursing research

Nursing research most often requires human subjects. Consequently, an essential component in planning and conducting research entails recruitment of subjects who knowledgeably consent to participate. A well-established theoretical base exists regarding sampling techniques and procedures for research methods. The operationalization of the theory into practical terms may be of interest to the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) who frequently assumes a leadership role to both conduct nursing research in practice settings and to advise other nurses interested in conducting research. The recruitment efforts in four different nursing studies were compared and contrasted in an effort to determine effective and efficient approaches to this issue. Sample populations included nurse practitioners, patients, nurse aides, and nurse educators. Methods of recruitment included direct contact, mail, and telephone contact. While the settings, purposes, and designs of the studies varied, some common elements regarding subject recruitment were suggested. The recruitment methods have been described, along with the implication in terms of practical application for conduct of nursing research by CNSs.     

Intuition in emergency nursing: a phenomenological study

The evidence of experience of intuitive knowing in the clinical setting has to this point only been informal and anecdotal. Reported experiences thus need to be either validated or refuted so that its place in emergency nursing can be determined. The history, nature and component themes captured within the intuitive practice of emergency nursing are described. This study was informed by the philosophy and method of phenomenology. Participants were 14 experienced emergency nurses. Through their narrative accounts and recall of events their experience of knowing was captured. Through a Van Manen process and a Gadamerian analysis, six themes associated with the ways in which the participants experienced intuition in clinical practice, were identified. This paper reveals the six emerging themes as knowledge, experience, connection, feeling, syncretism and trust.     

Experiences of women and men living with urinary incontinence: A phenomenological study

AimsTo explore and understand, from a gender-based perspective, the quality-of-life experiences of men and women who suffer from urinary incontinence.BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI) is a major health problem with significant social, psychological, occupational, sexual and economic effects leading to a substantial decrease in quality of life. Although this condition is increasingly frequent in men, research has tended to focus on women, adopting a quantitative approach.DesignThe data were examined using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA).MethodsThe data were collected through a semi-structured interview conducted between January and June 2016. An inductive discourse content analysis was performed in three stages: preparation, organization and report. Participants were recruited until data saturation was achieved.FindingsA sample of 33 participants was recruited: 17 women and 16 men. Gender-specific features were found. Six categories emerged: (i) normalization of incontinence; (ii) verbalization of the problem; (iii) social isolation; (iv)experienced feelings and emotions; (v) impact on daily routine; (vi) self-care strategies to address the problem in the most suitable way.ConclusionUrinary incontinence has a negative effect on the quality of life of men and women. However, there are gender differences as to how this phenomenon is experienced, particularly with regard to its psychological and social dimensions. A comprehensive, targeted assessment of the needs of these men and women is required on the part of professional nurses.     

Engaging service users in the development of stroke services: an action research study

Aims and objectives. To develop local stroke services by involving, in a meaningful way, those affected by stroke in identifying and prioritising service development issues. Background. Consideration should be given to including the views of service users in the evaluation and re‐design of services. In stroke, the involvement of patients and carers in the development of services has generally been at a consultative level. There is a need to explore strategies to engage patients and carers more fully with the service development agenda. Design. Action research. Methods. Within the Reflection Phase of this action research study patients’ and carers’ experiences of stroke services were explored by semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. In the Planning and Action Phases, externally facilitated workgroups comprising patients, carers and professionals used a synthesis of the data to identify a range of service development priorities, which informed the development of action plans. Results. Information provision, preparation for transfer of care and the integration of social and leisure activities appear to be priorities for the development of stroke services from the perspective of patients and carers. These findings informed the work of four collaborative workgroups to lead developments in the stroke pathway as follows: stroke prevention and immediate care, early and continuing rehabilitation, transfer of care and long‐term support and information provision. Conclusion. Stroke patients and carers played a key and meaningful part in the identification and prioritisation of service development issues. External facilitation ensured progress with service development and maintaining patient and carer participation. Several pragmatic recommendations for enhancing the local delivery of stroke services were made. Relevance to Clinical Practice. With external facilitation it is possible for stroke service users to take a meaningful role in service developments that moves beyond consultation.     

Interviews in qualitative nursing research: differing approaches for ethnographic and phenomenological studies

Interviews form an essential part of data collection for many qualitative nursing studies Information about how to individualize interview formats to meet the purpose and style of specific qualitative research approaches, however, is not readily accessible to the researcher This paper offers an overview of use of the interviewer as an instrument in qualitative research, as well as ways in which the differing purposes and styles of ethnographic and phenomenological research approaches affect the format for the interview     

A phenomenological study of early nursing experiences in Hong Kong

The experience of primary professional socialization is crucial for neophytes to learn to become a nurse. These early nursing encounters may also have long-term effects on professional development of individual nurses. However, research into the early experiences of nurses has been poorly documented. This study endeavours to reveal the early lived nursing experience amongst a group of nurses in Hong Kong. This study adopts a phenomenological approach which involves the thematic analysis of the critical incidents provided by 77 subjects. Findings revealed that incidents associated with death and dying, and clinical learning embracing interpersonal relations and professional development, were the most memorable events. Nurses were in general not equipped adequately to communicate with the dying and the grieving relatives. The subjects disclosed that positive clinical encounters confirmed their value of nursing work and motivated them to stay in the profession. Conversely, the negative experiences made them seriously consider leaving nursing. A number of implications for nursing education have been drawn from the research findings.     

A phenomenological study of patient expectations concerning nursing care

This phenomenological study explored the expectations patients have of nursing care, specifically spiritual care, using the framework of humanistic nursing. Four themes emerged: (1) the definition of "good" and "bad" nursing, (2) surveillance and competence, (3) spiritual care expectations, and (4) the concept of time.     

护理本科生合作式教学法经历的现象学研究

采用开放式访谈法对5名中医院校护理本科生合作式教学法经历的准备阶段和实施阶段进行了访谈．让学生在没有任何前提约束的情况下自由地谈论他们的经历。访谈结果得到3个主题：对教与学的视点,应对行为和情绪反应,以及人际关系得以强化。这提示合作式教学法为学生自主学习能力的培养提供了平台,有助于营造和谐的教学氛围。     

A phenomenological study of the art of nursing: experiencing the turn

This study contributes to an understanding of the art of nursing by defining and focusing on the nurse's experience in achieving the object of nursing art. Nursing art is conceptualized as a transition that the nurse helps facilitate with a patient who has become "stuck" in some way. The request posed to participants was: "Tell me of your experience in helping a patient turn a corner in his or her illness and come to see his or her situation in a new way." This research resulted in three sets of findings; only those relevant to transitions are presented here.