Working conditions for staff in psychiatric inpatient care with a special focus on psychiatric intensive care units (PICU) includes meetings with patients with acute mental illness. In their daily work environments, the staff is exposed to patients' different forms of expression in their failing health - an environment that is unpredictable, complex, and where hints of threats and violence occur. When working life varies on the basis of these conditions, this makes extensive demands on caregivers to maintain professional, ethical and caring approaches.
Creating stability is a necessity for caregivers to contribute to patients' improvement but also to a safe workplace. My current research investigates how and by what methods stability is created. Among the objectives, studies aim to contribute to the development of both the theoretical and practical knowledge of the working and care environments in psychiatric inpatient care. Identifying problems, needs, barriers and opportunities related to the project lead to significant knowledge concerning the staff’s psychosocial work environment in their daily lives at work.
The aim of this study was to describe individuals’ experiences of being hospitalized in psychiatr... more The aim of this study was to describe individuals’ experiences of being hospitalized in psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs). Four participants who had previously been admitted in a PICU were interviewed using open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis resulted in a synthesis of the various ways patients experienced limitations: (1) Descriptions of Being Limited in the Environment, (2) Descriptions of being Limited in Interactions with Staff, (3) Descriptions of Being Limited in terms of Access to Information, and (4) Descriptions of Having Limited Freedom and Autonomy. Hospitalization is experienced as a life-changing event that shows a kaleidoscopic view of limitation. We stress that the conceptualization of limitation must be considered due to its historical origins, sociopolitical aspirations, and philosophy of care. Thus, nurse practitioners and nursing leaders are advised to put the patient’s experience at the center of care, and to involve and integrate patients throughout the recovery process.
Mental illness is a term that includes everything from mild symptoms of anxiety and depression to... more Mental illness is a term that includes everything from mild symptoms of anxiety and depression to more serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression and suicide. Reports indicate a negative trend, where rates of mental illness in the population are increasing, especially among children and adolescents and among the elderly. This negative trend in Swedish society requires both preventive measures to stem the negative trend but also ongoing community resources to assist, support and advise people with mental illness who seek care.
The purpose of this investigation was to
analyze online discussions about parental leave in relat... more The purpose of this investigation was to analyze online discussions about parental leave in relation to the work lives and private lives of new fathers. A netnographic study of nearly 100 discussion threads from a freely accessible online forum for fathers was conducted. Data were coded, sorted, and categorized by qualitative similarities and differences. The results of the study indicate that new fathers seek Internet forums to discuss workrelated topics. Parental leave can provoke worries and anxiety related to management and co-worker attitudes which can create concern that they should be back at work. The results are presented in two categories: (a) attitudes expressed by employers and colleagues and (b) leaving work but longing to be back. The phenomenon of parental leave for fathers is more complex than simply “for” or “against” attitudes. Fathers can use Internet forums to discuss their experiences, fears, and anxiety and provide reasonable accommodations for both work and family life.
Qualitative values that address personal and interpersonal dimensions are often overlooked in res... more Qualitative values that address personal and interpersonal dimensions are often overlooked in research that examines mental well-being among young patients with anorexia nervosa. The aim of this review was to identify and describe factors that promote and impede the relationships between nurses and the children, adolescents and young adults who are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and also to explore and describe how those relationships benefit the patients' processes toward increased health and well-being. A descriptive literature synthesis was conducted following the four steps as described by Evans. The three databases CINAHL, PsycINFO and PubMed were used to search for qualitative articles. Fourteen articles met the criteria for inclusion and were analysed. Key findings were identified, and categories and themes were formulated and compared across the studies. Four themes are presented in the results: (1) The essentials in a relationship; (2) The person at the centre; (3) The nurses' attitudes; and (4) Knowledge. In addition to the contribution to the knowledge of how anorexia is manifested, our findings demonstrate the necessity for nurses to be person-centred in their relationships with patients and to have attitudes characterised by presence, genuine commitment and motivation. Nurses are more likely to convey a sense of trust and safety when they communicate with openness and honesty. Our review suggests that the motivation for patients to adhere to treatment is likely to increase when nurses approach patients with these characteristics and attitudes. We argue that the findings are relevant for nurses in their everyday practices.
Purpose: The aim of this literature review is to describe how eating disorders among adolescents ... more Purpose: The aim of this literature review is to describe how eating disorders among adolescents affect family relationships and the family’s daily living conditions and to describe the family’s experienced need for professional support. Design/methodology/approach: An integrative literature review based on the method of Whittemore and Knafl (2005). 15 articles with both qualitative and quantitative approaches were reviewed. Findings: The results are presented in two main themes: A disharmonic family and The need for input from healthcare professionals. The results are discussed using Callista Roy's adaptation model and the adaptive modes; Group Identity Mode, Role Function and Interdependence. Originality/value: This review article will be of interest to clinical nurses and other professionals who encounter families to clarify how the relationships and roles change within the family. To our knowledge, no integrative review has paid attention to how the relational aspects of the family members, their social roles and role constructions within the family affect daily living.
Robots have assisted humans for nearly a half century now, mainly to help with heavy lifting but ... more Robots have assisted humans for nearly a half century now, mainly to help with heavy lifting but also with advanced calculations. In manufacturing, robots are no longer remarkable; they are seen as a natural and integral part of the industrial sector. Within the healthcare sector, robots have also been used for many years, but they have not gained a similar position. However, in invasive surgery, using robotic technologies such as the da Vinci Surgical System has become standard procedure worldwide and gained acceptance, in part due to the many thousands of published, peer-reviewed articles describing and evaluating its usage (Abboudi et al., 2013). Several benefits have been reported for robotic-assisted surgeries. This approach reduces the length of hospital stay for patients and decreases complications and mortality in comparison with non-robotic surgeries (Yanagawa et al., 2015). The implementation of robots in nursing is advancing but with only modest success. In theory, many would agree that robots could ease the heavy workload for nurses in a variety of basic nursing situations such as assisting in heavy lifting, and they could free up nurses from time-consuming tasks like feeding procedures. However, the implementation of robots in healthcare has not been welcomed with praise from nurses. We believe that there are several processes and causes for what we address as " tech-resistance " within the nursing profession. We do not believe this issue to have only a single cause; rather, the resistance is a complex phenomenon with influences from a mix of historical, psychological and societal grounds. Below are the underlying processes that we believe have led up to tech-resistance. First, the development of nursing science during the mid-twentieth century was, in some sense, a divergence from the medical discipline, as nurses began to claim independence and define the profession's own philosophical underpinning values. For instance, the dialysis from a reductionistic ontology was necessary for the nursing discipline, since the ontology of caring is regarded from a much wider scopes of human understanding, covering a broad spectrum of faculties (although that debate is beyond the scope of this letter). Simultaneously, we stress that the search for the " origin of nursing " as something natural and deeply rooted in human warmth and with reference to the caring primates has excluded technology-as is seen as something to brace against, an attitude which defines the core of nursing (see Watson, 1979; Eriksson, 1984).
Psychiatric intensive care units (PICU) provide care for those suffering from the worst phases of... more Psychiatric intensive care units (PICU) provide care for those suffering from the worst phases of mental illness. What defines a PICU is often decided locally at hospitals. The aim is to explore and describe a contemporary discourse on how PICUs are socially constructed from virtual discussions. An explorative and descriptive study design was applied for this qualitative inquiry using discourse methodology. The data were collected in Twitter's search string and consists of 215 Twitter postings. A framework of social actor representatives that form the discourse was established and presented in three categories: a) Hospital and agencies communicating about PICUs, b) Healthcare professionals communicating about PICUs and c) Service users and relatives communicating about PICUs. Hospitals, agencies and healthcare professionals hold great power and responsibility for informing the public about PICUs. Transparent and informative tweets could turn the mystery of PICUs into more specific, positive portrayals.
It is highly likely that artificial intelligence (AI) will be implemented in nursing robotics in ... more It is highly likely that artificial intelligence (AI) will be implemented in nursing robotics in various forms, both in medical and surgical robotic instruments, but also as different types of droids and humanoids, physical reinforcements, and also animal/pet robots. Exploring and discussing AI and robotics in nursing and health care before these tools become commonplace is of great importance. We propose that monsters in popular culture might be studied with the hope of learning about situations and relationships that generate empathic capacities in their monstrous existences. The aim of the article is to introduce the theoretical framework and assumptions behind this idea. Both robots and monsters are posthuman creations. The knowledge we present here gives ideas about how nursing science can address the postmodern, technologic, and global world to come. Monsters therefore serve as an entrance to explore technologic innovations such as AI. Analyzing when and why monsters step out of character can provide important insights into the conceptualization of caring and nursing as a science, which is important for discussing these empathic protocols, as well as more general insight into human knowledge. The relationship between caring, monsters, robotics, and AI is not as farfetched as it might seem at first glance.
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 2016
Children who grow up in families with parental substance abuse are exposed to increased risk of d... more Children who grow up in families with parental substance abuse are exposed to increased risk of developing a variety of disorders. As nurses encounter these children, it is important for them to be supportive. The aim of the current study was to describe nurses' experiences and reflections regarding their work with children in families with parental substance abuse. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted. Seven nurses were interviewed, and data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The results were presented in four categories: (a) nurses' responsibilities; (b) identification of children's social network; (c) ethical concerns; and (d) assessment and evaluation of children's behavior. Nurses' preventive work and intervention in dysfunctional families may have direct consequences on children's present and future development and well-being. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(6), 38-44.].
To describe what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in... more To describe what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings. Relationships between staff and patients in forensic psychiatric settings should be grounded in trust and confidence, and the patients need opportunities for emotional reconciliation. However, relationships can be challenging for nurses, who sometimes distance themselves from patients' expressions of suffering. The role of forensic mental health nurses is nebulous, as are the prescriptives and the implementation of nursing practices. Qualitative descriptive design. In-depth interviews with five nurses who all work in forensic psychiatric settings. We present a descriptive analysis of what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings. The results are presented in two main categories: (1) getting to know the person behind the illness and (2) making a difference. Care in forensic psychiatry needs to shift towards a more long-term view of the role of nursing, focusing less on the traditional and stereotypical identity of the productive nurse and more on the care given when nurses slow down and take the time to see the patients as individuals. Establishing trusting relationships with patients in forensic psychiatric settings is viewed as a less oppressive way to control patients and guide them in directions that are preferable for the nurses and for the society. Nurses may use simple strategies in their daily practice such as sitting on the sofa with patients to establish trust. We stress that nurses should abandon policing roles and custodial activities in favour of guiding principles that promote individual recovery, treatment and health-promoting care.
ABSTRACT Background: In the same way that the use of cyberspace generally precedes practice, legi... more ABSTRACT Background: In the same way that the use of cyberspace generally precedes practice, legislation and regulations on its use in research raises ethical considerations. However, how the current regulatory framework on using cyberspace as a source for data collection, specifically in nursing research, has not been explored. Aim: The aim is of this study was to analyse , bachelor theses in nursing that have used cyberspace as a source of data-collection, in order to identify some aspects that can initiate further development within the domain of nursing science. Method: A qualitative content analysis as described by Sandelowski was used to analyze 21 bachelor theses in nursing science. These were selected from a data-base called Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet and Uppsatser.se Results: The results are presented according to two themes: ‘The novice takes on the expert - the most complex’ and ‘Top dogs and underdogs - asymmetrical power relations’. Discussion Our intention with this study of student nurses’ theses was to provide a structured overview of how data from cyberspace can be used by nursing researchers and instructors at all levels in the field, to bring the field forward.
ABSTRACT In this theory article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human, the avatar, in r... more ABSTRACT In this theory article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human, the avatar, in relation to ontological assumptions within nursing science. Assumptions in nursing science promote a ‘wholistic’ perspective of the human in terms of body, mind and spirit in relation to the environment. However, due to the enhanced technological development and the invention of cyberspace, we pose the critical question of whether the virtual dimension of identity really implicates a ‘wholistic’ view of human kindness or if this has been neglected. Furthermore, we suggest an ontological understanding that grasps new dimensions of humanity. In the article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human in relation to ontological assumptions within nursing science under the three headings of The techno-self and virtual identities, Techno-therapy and cyber nursing, and Becoming homo technicus. Due to these reflections, this article contributes to the debate on a postmodern understanding of human living conditions in society. We suggest further theoretical discussions to explore the conceptual and theoretical levels of nursing knowledge as new realities of human existence are introduced in the field. The transition into the digital age of the Internet, with the existence of cyborgs and avatars, is an ontological and epistemological challenge for nursing science that needs to be further investigated.
This study aims to present culturally situated artefacts as depicted in nursing home environments... more This study aims to present culturally situated artefacts as depicted in nursing home environments and to analyse the underlying understandings of disciplining structures that are manifested in these kinds of places. Our personal geographies are often taken for granted, but when moving to a nursing home, geographies are glaringly rearranged. The study design is archival and cross-sectional observational, and the data are comprised of 38 photographs and 13 videos showing environments from nursing homes. The analysis was inspired by the methodological steps in Roper's and Shapira's description of conducting ethnography. The results are presented in four categories: (i) public areas, (ii) orderliness, (iii) staff's places and (iv) devices. The rearrangement of geography implies a degrading of agency and loss of authority over one's place. The places should be understood in their relation to the agents and their temporarily claims upon them. The material and immaterial artefacts, that is the items, people and behaviours, transform the nursing staff into 'space invaders'. Future inquiries may take into consideration the ways that space invasion in participative space intersect and construct the identities of the agents it invades upon.
This study aimed not only to describe the development and implementation of the module but also t... more This study aimed not only to describe the development and implementation of the module but also to evaluate the nursing students' perceptions. A cross-sectional design including 101 students who were asked to participate and answer a survey. We describe the development of the pedagogic module Students Active Learning via Internet Observations based on situated learning. The findings show that learning about service users' own lived experiences via web-based platforms was instructive according to the students: 81% agreed to a high or very high degree. Another important finding was that 96% of students responded that the module had clinical relevance for nursing work. We argue that learning that engages students with data that are contextually and culturally situated is important for developing competence in caregiving.
Suffering from post-traumatic stress impacts and restricts the life situation of the individual o... more Suffering from post-traumatic stress impacts and restricts the life situation of the individual on several levels, not least regarding social difficulties. Social media on the Internet facilitate new possibilities for interaction and communication. Earlier research has demonstrated that people use social media to seek support and to discuss health-related issues. The current study aimed to describe how individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress use social media to convey authentic narratives of their daily lives, including illness, and further, to analyze the content of this media use. The data comprised YouTube videos, blogs, and forum discussions. Five categories cover the findings: (a) structure of the narrative, (b) narrating the trauma, (c) restrictions in life, (d) strategies in everyday living, and (e) online interaction. We stress that sharing narratives online facilitates a "verbalizing" of the life conditions of the sufferers and can be used as a self-care ...
Patients in the hospital environment are suffering from disrupted sleep, which adversely affects ... more Patients in the hospital environment are suffering from disrupted sleep, which adversely affects their recovery process, health and well-being. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experiences and their strategies to promote inpatients' sleep. An empirical qualitative design was applied. Eight nurses at a hospital in Sweden were purposefully selected to be included in semi-structured interviews. Burnard's method for inductively analysing interview transcripts was applied. The findings are presented in four categories: (i) prevention and planning as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy; (ii) adaptation of the environment as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy; (iii) use of drugs as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy; and (iv) caring conversation as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy. Using strategies to promote sleep is important as it affects the recovery of the patients. We argue for the use of simple strategies of sensory reduction as cost-effective sleep-promoting measures that also reduce the use of sedative drugs.
The aim of this study was to describe individuals’ experiences of being hospitalized in psychiatr... more The aim of this study was to describe individuals’ experiences of being hospitalized in psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs). Four participants who had previously been admitted in a PICU were interviewed using open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis resulted in a synthesis of the various ways patients experienced limitations: (1) Descriptions of Being Limited in the Environment, (2) Descriptions of being Limited in Interactions with Staff, (3) Descriptions of Being Limited in terms of Access to Information, and (4) Descriptions of Having Limited Freedom and Autonomy. Hospitalization is experienced as a life-changing event that shows a kaleidoscopic view of limitation. We stress that the conceptualization of limitation must be considered due to its historical origins, sociopolitical aspirations, and philosophy of care. Thus, nurse practitioners and nursing leaders are advised to put the patient’s experience at the center of care, and to involve and integrate patients throughout the recovery process.
Mental illness is a term that includes everything from mild symptoms of anxiety and depression to... more Mental illness is a term that includes everything from mild symptoms of anxiety and depression to more serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression and suicide. Reports indicate a negative trend, where rates of mental illness in the population are increasing, especially among children and adolescents and among the elderly. This negative trend in Swedish society requires both preventive measures to stem the negative trend but also ongoing community resources to assist, support and advise people with mental illness who seek care.
The purpose of this investigation was to
analyze online discussions about parental leave in relat... more The purpose of this investigation was to analyze online discussions about parental leave in relation to the work lives and private lives of new fathers. A netnographic study of nearly 100 discussion threads from a freely accessible online forum for fathers was conducted. Data were coded, sorted, and categorized by qualitative similarities and differences. The results of the study indicate that new fathers seek Internet forums to discuss workrelated topics. Parental leave can provoke worries and anxiety related to management and co-worker attitudes which can create concern that they should be back at work. The results are presented in two categories: (a) attitudes expressed by employers and colleagues and (b) leaving work but longing to be back. The phenomenon of parental leave for fathers is more complex than simply “for” or “against” attitudes. Fathers can use Internet forums to discuss their experiences, fears, and anxiety and provide reasonable accommodations for both work and family life.
Qualitative values that address personal and interpersonal dimensions are often overlooked in res... more Qualitative values that address personal and interpersonal dimensions are often overlooked in research that examines mental well-being among young patients with anorexia nervosa. The aim of this review was to identify and describe factors that promote and impede the relationships between nurses and the children, adolescents and young adults who are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and also to explore and describe how those relationships benefit the patients' processes toward increased health and well-being. A descriptive literature synthesis was conducted following the four steps as described by Evans. The three databases CINAHL, PsycINFO and PubMed were used to search for qualitative articles. Fourteen articles met the criteria for inclusion and were analysed. Key findings were identified, and categories and themes were formulated and compared across the studies. Four themes are presented in the results: (1) The essentials in a relationship; (2) The person at the centre; (3) The nurses' attitudes; and (4) Knowledge. In addition to the contribution to the knowledge of how anorexia is manifested, our findings demonstrate the necessity for nurses to be person-centred in their relationships with patients and to have attitudes characterised by presence, genuine commitment and motivation. Nurses are more likely to convey a sense of trust and safety when they communicate with openness and honesty. Our review suggests that the motivation for patients to adhere to treatment is likely to increase when nurses approach patients with these characteristics and attitudes. We argue that the findings are relevant for nurses in their everyday practices.
Purpose: The aim of this literature review is to describe how eating disorders among adolescents ... more Purpose: The aim of this literature review is to describe how eating disorders among adolescents affect family relationships and the family’s daily living conditions and to describe the family’s experienced need for professional support. Design/methodology/approach: An integrative literature review based on the method of Whittemore and Knafl (2005). 15 articles with both qualitative and quantitative approaches were reviewed. Findings: The results are presented in two main themes: A disharmonic family and The need for input from healthcare professionals. The results are discussed using Callista Roy's adaptation model and the adaptive modes; Group Identity Mode, Role Function and Interdependence. Originality/value: This review article will be of interest to clinical nurses and other professionals who encounter families to clarify how the relationships and roles change within the family. To our knowledge, no integrative review has paid attention to how the relational aspects of the family members, their social roles and role constructions within the family affect daily living.
Robots have assisted humans for nearly a half century now, mainly to help with heavy lifting but ... more Robots have assisted humans for nearly a half century now, mainly to help with heavy lifting but also with advanced calculations. In manufacturing, robots are no longer remarkable; they are seen as a natural and integral part of the industrial sector. Within the healthcare sector, robots have also been used for many years, but they have not gained a similar position. However, in invasive surgery, using robotic technologies such as the da Vinci Surgical System has become standard procedure worldwide and gained acceptance, in part due to the many thousands of published, peer-reviewed articles describing and evaluating its usage (Abboudi et al., 2013). Several benefits have been reported for robotic-assisted surgeries. This approach reduces the length of hospital stay for patients and decreases complications and mortality in comparison with non-robotic surgeries (Yanagawa et al., 2015). The implementation of robots in nursing is advancing but with only modest success. In theory, many would agree that robots could ease the heavy workload for nurses in a variety of basic nursing situations such as assisting in heavy lifting, and they could free up nurses from time-consuming tasks like feeding procedures. However, the implementation of robots in healthcare has not been welcomed with praise from nurses. We believe that there are several processes and causes for what we address as " tech-resistance " within the nursing profession. We do not believe this issue to have only a single cause; rather, the resistance is a complex phenomenon with influences from a mix of historical, psychological and societal grounds. Below are the underlying processes that we believe have led up to tech-resistance. First, the development of nursing science during the mid-twentieth century was, in some sense, a divergence from the medical discipline, as nurses began to claim independence and define the profession's own philosophical underpinning values. For instance, the dialysis from a reductionistic ontology was necessary for the nursing discipline, since the ontology of caring is regarded from a much wider scopes of human understanding, covering a broad spectrum of faculties (although that debate is beyond the scope of this letter). Simultaneously, we stress that the search for the " origin of nursing " as something natural and deeply rooted in human warmth and with reference to the caring primates has excluded technology-as is seen as something to brace against, an attitude which defines the core of nursing (see Watson, 1979; Eriksson, 1984).
Psychiatric intensive care units (PICU) provide care for those suffering from the worst phases of... more Psychiatric intensive care units (PICU) provide care for those suffering from the worst phases of mental illness. What defines a PICU is often decided locally at hospitals. The aim is to explore and describe a contemporary discourse on how PICUs are socially constructed from virtual discussions. An explorative and descriptive study design was applied for this qualitative inquiry using discourse methodology. The data were collected in Twitter's search string and consists of 215 Twitter postings. A framework of social actor representatives that form the discourse was established and presented in three categories: a) Hospital and agencies communicating about PICUs, b) Healthcare professionals communicating about PICUs and c) Service users and relatives communicating about PICUs. Hospitals, agencies and healthcare professionals hold great power and responsibility for informing the public about PICUs. Transparent and informative tweets could turn the mystery of PICUs into more specific, positive portrayals.
It is highly likely that artificial intelligence (AI) will be implemented in nursing robotics in ... more It is highly likely that artificial intelligence (AI) will be implemented in nursing robotics in various forms, both in medical and surgical robotic instruments, but also as different types of droids and humanoids, physical reinforcements, and also animal/pet robots. Exploring and discussing AI and robotics in nursing and health care before these tools become commonplace is of great importance. We propose that monsters in popular culture might be studied with the hope of learning about situations and relationships that generate empathic capacities in their monstrous existences. The aim of the article is to introduce the theoretical framework and assumptions behind this idea. Both robots and monsters are posthuman creations. The knowledge we present here gives ideas about how nursing science can address the postmodern, technologic, and global world to come. Monsters therefore serve as an entrance to explore technologic innovations such as AI. Analyzing when and why monsters step out of character can provide important insights into the conceptualization of caring and nursing as a science, which is important for discussing these empathic protocols, as well as more general insight into human knowledge. The relationship between caring, monsters, robotics, and AI is not as farfetched as it might seem at first glance.
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 2016
Children who grow up in families with parental substance abuse are exposed to increased risk of d... more Children who grow up in families with parental substance abuse are exposed to increased risk of developing a variety of disorders. As nurses encounter these children, it is important for them to be supportive. The aim of the current study was to describe nurses' experiences and reflections regarding their work with children in families with parental substance abuse. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted. Seven nurses were interviewed, and data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The results were presented in four categories: (a) nurses' responsibilities; (b) identification of children's social network; (c) ethical concerns; and (d) assessment and evaluation of children's behavior. Nurses' preventive work and intervention in dysfunctional families may have direct consequences on children's present and future development and well-being. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(6), 38-44.].
To describe what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in... more To describe what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings. Relationships between staff and patients in forensic psychiatric settings should be grounded in trust and confidence, and the patients need opportunities for emotional reconciliation. However, relationships can be challenging for nurses, who sometimes distance themselves from patients' expressions of suffering. The role of forensic mental health nurses is nebulous, as are the prescriptives and the implementation of nursing practices. Qualitative descriptive design. In-depth interviews with five nurses who all work in forensic psychiatric settings. We present a descriptive analysis of what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings. The results are presented in two main categories: (1) getting to know the person behind the illness and (2) making a difference. Care in forensic psychiatry needs to shift towards a more long-term view of the role of nursing, focusing less on the traditional and stereotypical identity of the productive nurse and more on the care given when nurses slow down and take the time to see the patients as individuals. Establishing trusting relationships with patients in forensic psychiatric settings is viewed as a less oppressive way to control patients and guide them in directions that are preferable for the nurses and for the society. Nurses may use simple strategies in their daily practice such as sitting on the sofa with patients to establish trust. We stress that nurses should abandon policing roles and custodial activities in favour of guiding principles that promote individual recovery, treatment and health-promoting care.
ABSTRACT Background: In the same way that the use of cyberspace generally precedes practice, legi... more ABSTRACT Background: In the same way that the use of cyberspace generally precedes practice, legislation and regulations on its use in research raises ethical considerations. However, how the current regulatory framework on using cyberspace as a source for data collection, specifically in nursing research, has not been explored. Aim: The aim is of this study was to analyse , bachelor theses in nursing that have used cyberspace as a source of data-collection, in order to identify some aspects that can initiate further development within the domain of nursing science. Method: A qualitative content analysis as described by Sandelowski was used to analyze 21 bachelor theses in nursing science. These were selected from a data-base called Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet and Uppsatser.se Results: The results are presented according to two themes: ‘The novice takes on the expert - the most complex’ and ‘Top dogs and underdogs - asymmetrical power relations’. Discussion Our intention with this study of student nurses’ theses was to provide a structured overview of how data from cyberspace can be used by nursing researchers and instructors at all levels in the field, to bring the field forward.
ABSTRACT In this theory article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human, the avatar, in r... more ABSTRACT In this theory article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human, the avatar, in relation to ontological assumptions within nursing science. Assumptions in nursing science promote a ‘wholistic’ perspective of the human in terms of body, mind and spirit in relation to the environment. However, due to the enhanced technological development and the invention of cyberspace, we pose the critical question of whether the virtual dimension of identity really implicates a ‘wholistic’ view of human kindness or if this has been neglected. Furthermore, we suggest an ontological understanding that grasps new dimensions of humanity. In the article, we discuss the virtual dimensions of the human in relation to ontological assumptions within nursing science under the three headings of The techno-self and virtual identities, Techno-therapy and cyber nursing, and Becoming homo technicus. Due to these reflections, this article contributes to the debate on a postmodern understanding of human living conditions in society. We suggest further theoretical discussions to explore the conceptual and theoretical levels of nursing knowledge as new realities of human existence are introduced in the field. The transition into the digital age of the Internet, with the existence of cyborgs and avatars, is an ontological and epistemological challenge for nursing science that needs to be further investigated.
This study aims to present culturally situated artefacts as depicted in nursing home environments... more This study aims to present culturally situated artefacts as depicted in nursing home environments and to analyse the underlying understandings of disciplining structures that are manifested in these kinds of places. Our personal geographies are often taken for granted, but when moving to a nursing home, geographies are glaringly rearranged. The study design is archival and cross-sectional observational, and the data are comprised of 38 photographs and 13 videos showing environments from nursing homes. The analysis was inspired by the methodological steps in Roper's and Shapira's description of conducting ethnography. The results are presented in four categories: (i) public areas, (ii) orderliness, (iii) staff's places and (iv) devices. The rearrangement of geography implies a degrading of agency and loss of authority over one's place. The places should be understood in their relation to the agents and their temporarily claims upon them. The material and immaterial artefacts, that is the items, people and behaviours, transform the nursing staff into 'space invaders'. Future inquiries may take into consideration the ways that space invasion in participative space intersect and construct the identities of the agents it invades upon.
This study aimed not only to describe the development and implementation of the module but also t... more This study aimed not only to describe the development and implementation of the module but also to evaluate the nursing students' perceptions. A cross-sectional design including 101 students who were asked to participate and answer a survey. We describe the development of the pedagogic module Students Active Learning via Internet Observations based on situated learning. The findings show that learning about service users' own lived experiences via web-based platforms was instructive according to the students: 81% agreed to a high or very high degree. Another important finding was that 96% of students responded that the module had clinical relevance for nursing work. We argue that learning that engages students with data that are contextually and culturally situated is important for developing competence in caregiving.
Suffering from post-traumatic stress impacts and restricts the life situation of the individual o... more Suffering from post-traumatic stress impacts and restricts the life situation of the individual on several levels, not least regarding social difficulties. Social media on the Internet facilitate new possibilities for interaction and communication. Earlier research has demonstrated that people use social media to seek support and to discuss health-related issues. The current study aimed to describe how individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress use social media to convey authentic narratives of their daily lives, including illness, and further, to analyze the content of this media use. The data comprised YouTube videos, blogs, and forum discussions. Five categories cover the findings: (a) structure of the narrative, (b) narrating the trauma, (c) restrictions in life, (d) strategies in everyday living, and (e) online interaction. We stress that sharing narratives online facilitates a "verbalizing" of the life conditions of the sufferers and can be used as a self-care ...
Patients in the hospital environment are suffering from disrupted sleep, which adversely affects ... more Patients in the hospital environment are suffering from disrupted sleep, which adversely affects their recovery process, health and well-being. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experiences and their strategies to promote inpatients' sleep. An empirical qualitative design was applied. Eight nurses at a hospital in Sweden were purposefully selected to be included in semi-structured interviews. Burnard's method for inductively analysing interview transcripts was applied. The findings are presented in four categories: (i) prevention and planning as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy; (ii) adaptation of the environment as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy; (iii) use of drugs as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy; and (iv) caring conversation as a sleep-promoting nursing strategy. Using strategies to promote sleep is important as it affects the recovery of the patients. We argue for the use of simple strategies of sensory reduction as cost-effective sleep-promoting measures that also reduce the use of sedative drugs.
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Papers by Martin Salzmann-Erikson
care units (PICUs). Four participants who had previously been admitted in a PICU were interviewed using
open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis resulted in a synthesis
of the various ways patients experienced limitations: (1) Descriptions of Being Limited in the Environment,
(2) Descriptions of being Limited in Interactions with Staff, (3) Descriptions of Being Limited in terms of
Access to Information, and (4) Descriptions of Having Limited Freedom and Autonomy. Hospitalization is
experienced as a life-changing event that shows a kaleidoscopic view of limitation. We stress that the conceptualization
of limitation must be considered due to its historical origins, sociopolitical aspirations, and
philosophy of care. Thus, nurse practitioners and nursing leaders are advised to put the patient’s experience
at the center of care, and to involve and integrate patients throughout the recovery process.
analyze online discussions about parental leave in relation
to the work lives and private lives of new fathers. A
netnographic study of nearly 100 discussion threads from
a freely accessible online forum for fathers was conducted.
Data were coded, sorted, and categorized by qualitative
similarities and differences. The results of the study indicate
that new fathers seek Internet forums to discuss workrelated
topics. Parental leave can provoke worries and
anxiety related to management and co-worker attitudes
which can create concern that they should be back at
work. The results are presented in two categories: (a)
attitudes expressed by employers and colleagues and (b)
leaving work but longing to be back. The phenomenon
of parental leave for fathers is more complex than simply
“for” or “against” attitudes. Fathers can use Internet forums
to discuss their experiences, fears, and anxiety and provide
reasonable accommodations for both work and family life.
Design/methodology/approach: An integrative literature review based on the method of Whittemore and Knafl (2005). 15 articles with both qualitative and quantitative approaches were reviewed.
Findings: The results are presented in two main themes: A disharmonic family and The need for input from healthcare professionals. The results are discussed using Callista Roy's adaptation model and the adaptive modes; Group Identity Mode, Role Function and Interdependence.
Originality/value: This review article will be of interest to clinical nurses and other professionals who encounter families to clarify how the relationships and roles change within the family. To our knowledge, no integrative review has paid attention to how the relational aspects of the family members, their social roles and role constructions within the family affect daily living.
care units (PICUs). Four participants who had previously been admitted in a PICU were interviewed using
open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis resulted in a synthesis
of the various ways patients experienced limitations: (1) Descriptions of Being Limited in the Environment,
(2) Descriptions of being Limited in Interactions with Staff, (3) Descriptions of Being Limited in terms of
Access to Information, and (4) Descriptions of Having Limited Freedom and Autonomy. Hospitalization is
experienced as a life-changing event that shows a kaleidoscopic view of limitation. We stress that the conceptualization
of limitation must be considered due to its historical origins, sociopolitical aspirations, and
philosophy of care. Thus, nurse practitioners and nursing leaders are advised to put the patient’s experience
at the center of care, and to involve and integrate patients throughout the recovery process.
analyze online discussions about parental leave in relation
to the work lives and private lives of new fathers. A
netnographic study of nearly 100 discussion threads from
a freely accessible online forum for fathers was conducted.
Data were coded, sorted, and categorized by qualitative
similarities and differences. The results of the study indicate
that new fathers seek Internet forums to discuss workrelated
topics. Parental leave can provoke worries and
anxiety related to management and co-worker attitudes
which can create concern that they should be back at
work. The results are presented in two categories: (a)
attitudes expressed by employers and colleagues and (b)
leaving work but longing to be back. The phenomenon
of parental leave for fathers is more complex than simply
“for” or “against” attitudes. Fathers can use Internet forums
to discuss their experiences, fears, and anxiety and provide
reasonable accommodations for both work and family life.
Design/methodology/approach: An integrative literature review based on the method of Whittemore and Knafl (2005). 15 articles with both qualitative and quantitative approaches were reviewed.
Findings: The results are presented in two main themes: A disharmonic family and The need for input from healthcare professionals. The results are discussed using Callista Roy's adaptation model and the adaptive modes; Group Identity Mode, Role Function and Interdependence.
Originality/value: This review article will be of interest to clinical nurses and other professionals who encounter families to clarify how the relationships and roles change within the family. To our knowledge, no integrative review has paid attention to how the relational aspects of the family members, their social roles and role constructions within the family affect daily living.