Innerhalb je spezifischer kultureller und sozialer Kontexte werden viele Phänomene als "sens... more Innerhalb je spezifischer kultureller und sozialer Kontexte werden viele Phänomene als "sensitiv" erachtet: Hierzu gehören etwa Gegenstände, die als "privat", "belastend" oder "religiös" definiert werden. Gespräche hierüber haben schnell einen emotionalen Charakter, so z.B., wenn es um Tod oder Sex geht. Ebenso können Bereiche, in denen die Gefahr der Stigmatisierung besteht, als "sensitiv" betrachtet bzw. erlebt werden, also z.B. bei der Untersuchung von Subkulturen oder von politisch sensiblen Themen. Deshalb werden Ethik-Komitees eingerichtet, denen es obliegt, die befragten Personen oder Personengruppen im Verlaufe des Forschungsprozesses zu schützen. Allerdings zeigen eigene Erfahrungen ebenso wie Berichte in der Literatur, dass dies keinesfalls die einzige Gruppe ist, die im Forschungsprozess potentiellen Risiken ausgesetzt ist: Risiken - sowohl physische als auch psychische - können ebenso die Forschenden, die Personen, die z....
The Australian and New Zealand journal of mental health nursing, 1996
This paper reports on a qualitative study of community health workers from a predominantly rural ... more This paper reports on a qualitative study of community health workers from a predominantly rural based region in Queensland. The purpose of this study was to determine the community health worker barriers to identification, assessment and intervention on the issue of violence against women. The qualitative research method comprised five structured focus group interviews with 28 community health workers using open-ended questions to explore their perceptions. Analysis of the focus group data revealed that community health workers expressed reluctance to become involved in cases of violence against women. The reasons they provided are grouped under three main themes: barriers to identification; barriers to assessment; and barriers to intervention. Training programs offered to rural community health workers need to be aware of the barriers to identifying, assessing and intervening in cases of violence against women that are highlighted by this study. Further studies are needed to asses...
Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research appr... more Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research approaches that quantify the experience, identify those at risk, and recommend interventions. Although important, these approaches often fail to describe the experience and understanding from the perspective of and in the language used by women who have experienced abuse. This article reports a phenomenographic study of six women's understanding of their experiences of domestic violence during their childbearing years, the time period associated with pregnancy and the first twelve months after birth. The women described domestic violence as being experienced as a loss of self, being controlled and destruction. This report presents the women's views of domestic violence as a complex and damaging phenomenon that is experienced by them in a number of qualitatively different ways.
There are no reported education programs specifically focusing on the needs of rural health worke... more There are no reported education programs specifically focusing on the needs of rural health workers in the area of violence against women. The most commonly reported contact sought by women experiencing injuries and health problems associated with violence and abuse is with health workers. Women report a failure by health workers to make direct enquires, which may be due to their lack of education and confidence in responding to these issues. A convenience sample of 60 community-based rural health workers from a range of occupations and settings within the Wide Bay Health Region, Queensland, participated in the evaluation of a self-paced, distance education package on violence against women. The package contained seven modules. These included written and audio tape material, and activities that together formed a community development approach to addressing the needs in the participants' local community. Participants were given a mentor and teleconference support during the 8 weeks allocated to complete the package. A pre-and post-course evaluation, containing quantitative and qualitative data, was completed. Analysis of the quantitative data identified significant changes in participants' knowledge, and the qualitative data highlighted an increased sense of confidence in assisting women, forming support networks and using resources more effectively. Participants reported the most useful aspects of the package were: (i) modular-and user-friendly format; (ii) flexible, practical, health-focused content; and (iii) real world examples
Background. The development of paediatric home healthcare is underpinned by three principles: fir... more Background. The development of paediatric home healthcare is underpinned by three principles: first to increase the quality of life of patients and families, second to decrease cost and the length of hospital stay, and third to promote community participation in healthcare delivery. With the advancement of technology and the transformation of healthcare delivery, an increasing number of children who are chronically ventilator-dependent are been discharged to home. Aim. The aim was to investigate and describe the qualitative experiences of primary caregivers who care for ventilator-dependent children at home. Methods. Phenomenography was chosen as the qualitative research approach for the study. Seventeen primary caregivers who cared for a ventilator-dependent child at home were recruited from four states of Australia. Findings. Seven categories of description and an outcome space are the research outcomes. The care-giving experience was understood as (1) “hospital is another world t...
Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research appr... more Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research approaches that quantify the experience, identify those at risk, and recommend interventions. Although important, these approaches often fail to describe the experience and understanding from the perspective of and in the language used by women who have experienced abuse. This article reports a phenomenographic study of six women's understanding of their experiences of domestic violence during their childbearing years, the time period associated with pregnancy and the first twelve months after birth. The women described domestic violence as being experienced as a loss of self, being controlled and destruction. This report presents the women's views of domestic violence as a complex and damaging phenomenon that is experienced by them in a number of qualitatively different ways.
Phenomenography is a little-known qualitative research approach that has potential for health car... more Phenomenography is a little-known qualitative research approach that has potential for health care research, particularly when people’s understanding of their experience is the goal. Phenomenography is explained as a qualitative, nondualistic research approach that identifies and retains the discourse of research participants. This article seeks to present the major assumptions associated with phenomenographic research. An example of the way in which research outcomes are presented is included to emphasize its distinctiveness. It is noted that phenomenography has potential in the area of qualitative health research and will benefit from ongoing development and application.
This study aimed to identify the educational needs of community-based rural health professionals ... more This study aimed to identify the educational needs of community-based rural health professionals regarding violence against women, and was funded under the Rural Health Support, Education and Training (RHSET) program. Focus groups and teleconferences were conducted with health workers, organisations and key individuals in the Wide Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. As a result, an education package has been designed that will provide specific training in violence against women for rural and remote health professionals working in the field. Rural health community workers identified the need to enhance their intervention skills and understanding on the issue of violence against women. A distance education framework based on adult and guided learning principles has been developed to meet this need. Six areas were identified as important learning needs and included: (i) violence against women as a public health concern; (ii) The role of the community health worker; (iii) How the community health worker can empower women experiencing violence in their lives; (iv) Enhancing and developing supportive networks; (v) Building on community development action; and (vi) 'Where to next' for community health workers.
Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon regis... more Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon registered midwives. Design: Three phase study-Phase one involved focus group interviews. Setting: Hospitals in SouthEast Queensland undertaking mandatory domestic violence screening. Participants: Registered midwives undertaking screening for domestic violence. Results: Several barriers were identified that directly impacted upon the midwives' potential to screen effectively. Barriers identified were classified as intrinsic (intrapersonal and perception) and extrinsic (interpersonal, environmental and organisational infrastructure). Principle, conclusions and implications for practice: Although midwives have strong beliefs about the value of domestic violence screening, there is a negative perception about it's efficacy and an assumption of failure due to the barriers identified by the registered midwives.
Abstract: There are many phenomena that within specific cultural and social context are "sen... more Abstract: There are many phenomena that within specific cultural and social context are "sensitive". They may be defined as "sensitive" if they are private, stressful or sacred, and discussion tends to generate an emotional response, for example death and sex. Phenomena that ...
Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon regis... more Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon registered midwives. Design: Three phase study-Phase one involved focus group interviews. Setting: Hospitals in SouthEast Queensland undertaking mandatory domestic violence screening. Participants: Registered midwives undertaking screening for domestic violence. Results: Several barriers were identified that directly impacted upon the midwives' potential to screen effectively. Barriers identified were classified as intrinsic (intrapersonal and perception) and extrinsic (interpersonal, environmental and organisational infrastructure). Principle, conclusions and implications for practice: Although midwives have strong beliefs about the value of domestic violence screening, there is a negative perception about it's efficacy and an assumption of failure due to the barriers identified by the registered midwives.
Innerhalb je spezifischer kultureller und sozialer Kontexte werden viele Phänomene als "sens... more Innerhalb je spezifischer kultureller und sozialer Kontexte werden viele Phänomene als "sensitiv" erachtet: Hierzu gehören etwa Gegenstände, die als "privat", "belastend" oder "religiös" definiert werden. Gespräche hierüber haben schnell einen emotionalen Charakter, so z.B., wenn es um Tod oder Sex geht. Ebenso können Bereiche, in denen die Gefahr der Stigmatisierung besteht, als "sensitiv" betrachtet bzw. erlebt werden, also z.B. bei der Untersuchung von Subkulturen oder von politisch sensiblen Themen. Deshalb werden Ethik-Komitees eingerichtet, denen es obliegt, die befragten Personen oder Personengruppen im Verlaufe des Forschungsprozesses zu schützen. Allerdings zeigen eigene Erfahrungen ebenso wie Berichte in der Literatur, dass dies keinesfalls die einzige Gruppe ist, die im Forschungsprozess potentiellen Risiken ausgesetzt ist: Risiken - sowohl physische als auch psychische - können ebenso die Forschenden, die Personen, die z....
The Australian and New Zealand journal of mental health nursing, 1996
This paper reports on a qualitative study of community health workers from a predominantly rural ... more This paper reports on a qualitative study of community health workers from a predominantly rural based region in Queensland. The purpose of this study was to determine the community health worker barriers to identification, assessment and intervention on the issue of violence against women. The qualitative research method comprised five structured focus group interviews with 28 community health workers using open-ended questions to explore their perceptions. Analysis of the focus group data revealed that community health workers expressed reluctance to become involved in cases of violence against women. The reasons they provided are grouped under three main themes: barriers to identification; barriers to assessment; and barriers to intervention. Training programs offered to rural community health workers need to be aware of the barriers to identifying, assessing and intervening in cases of violence against women that are highlighted by this study. Further studies are needed to asses...
Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research appr... more Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research approaches that quantify the experience, identify those at risk, and recommend interventions. Although important, these approaches often fail to describe the experience and understanding from the perspective of and in the language used by women who have experienced abuse. This article reports a phenomenographic study of six women's understanding of their experiences of domestic violence during their childbearing years, the time period associated with pregnancy and the first twelve months after birth. The women described domestic violence as being experienced as a loss of self, being controlled and destruction. This report presents the women's views of domestic violence as a complex and damaging phenomenon that is experienced by them in a number of qualitatively different ways.
There are no reported education programs specifically focusing on the needs of rural health worke... more There are no reported education programs specifically focusing on the needs of rural health workers in the area of violence against women. The most commonly reported contact sought by women experiencing injuries and health problems associated with violence and abuse is with health workers. Women report a failure by health workers to make direct enquires, which may be due to their lack of education and confidence in responding to these issues. A convenience sample of 60 community-based rural health workers from a range of occupations and settings within the Wide Bay Health Region, Queensland, participated in the evaluation of a self-paced, distance education package on violence against women. The package contained seven modules. These included written and audio tape material, and activities that together formed a community development approach to addressing the needs in the participants' local community. Participants were given a mentor and teleconference support during the 8 weeks allocated to complete the package. A pre-and post-course evaluation, containing quantitative and qualitative data, was completed. Analysis of the quantitative data identified significant changes in participants' knowledge, and the qualitative data highlighted an increased sense of confidence in assisting women, forming support networks and using resources more effectively. Participants reported the most useful aspects of the package were: (i) modular-and user-friendly format; (ii) flexible, practical, health-focused content; and (iii) real world examples
Background. The development of paediatric home healthcare is underpinned by three principles: fir... more Background. The development of paediatric home healthcare is underpinned by three principles: first to increase the quality of life of patients and families, second to decrease cost and the length of hospital stay, and third to promote community participation in healthcare delivery. With the advancement of technology and the transformation of healthcare delivery, an increasing number of children who are chronically ventilator-dependent are been discharged to home. Aim. The aim was to investigate and describe the qualitative experiences of primary caregivers who care for ventilator-dependent children at home. Methods. Phenomenography was chosen as the qualitative research approach for the study. Seventeen primary caregivers who cared for a ventilator-dependent child at home were recruited from four states of Australia. Findings. Seven categories of description and an outcome space are the research outcomes. The care-giving experience was understood as (1) “hospital is another world t...
Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research appr... more Much of the domestic violence and abuse literature contains reports of quantitative research approaches that quantify the experience, identify those at risk, and recommend interventions. Although important, these approaches often fail to describe the experience and understanding from the perspective of and in the language used by women who have experienced abuse. This article reports a phenomenographic study of six women's understanding of their experiences of domestic violence during their childbearing years, the time period associated with pregnancy and the first twelve months after birth. The women described domestic violence as being experienced as a loss of self, being controlled and destruction. This report presents the women's views of domestic violence as a complex and damaging phenomenon that is experienced by them in a number of qualitatively different ways.
Phenomenography is a little-known qualitative research approach that has potential for health car... more Phenomenography is a little-known qualitative research approach that has potential for health care research, particularly when people’s understanding of their experience is the goal. Phenomenography is explained as a qualitative, nondualistic research approach that identifies and retains the discourse of research participants. This article seeks to present the major assumptions associated with phenomenographic research. An example of the way in which research outcomes are presented is included to emphasize its distinctiveness. It is noted that phenomenography has potential in the area of qualitative health research and will benefit from ongoing development and application.
This study aimed to identify the educational needs of community-based rural health professionals ... more This study aimed to identify the educational needs of community-based rural health professionals regarding violence against women, and was funded under the Rural Health Support, Education and Training (RHSET) program. Focus groups and teleconferences were conducted with health workers, organisations and key individuals in the Wide Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. As a result, an education package has been designed that will provide specific training in violence against women for rural and remote health professionals working in the field. Rural health community workers identified the need to enhance their intervention skills and understanding on the issue of violence against women. A distance education framework based on adult and guided learning principles has been developed to meet this need. Six areas were identified as important learning needs and included: (i) violence against women as a public health concern; (ii) The role of the community health worker; (iii) How the community health worker can empower women experiencing violence in their lives; (iv) Enhancing and developing supportive networks; (v) Building on community development action; and (vi) 'Where to next' for community health workers.
Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon regis... more Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon registered midwives. Design: Three phase study-Phase one involved focus group interviews. Setting: Hospitals in SouthEast Queensland undertaking mandatory domestic violence screening. Participants: Registered midwives undertaking screening for domestic violence. Results: Several barriers were identified that directly impacted upon the midwives' potential to screen effectively. Barriers identified were classified as intrinsic (intrapersonal and perception) and extrinsic (interpersonal, environmental and organisational infrastructure). Principle, conclusions and implications for practice: Although midwives have strong beliefs about the value of domestic violence screening, there is a negative perception about it's efficacy and an assumption of failure due to the barriers identified by the registered midwives.
Abstract: There are many phenomena that within specific cultural and social context are "sen... more Abstract: There are many phenomena that within specific cultural and social context are "sensitive". They may be defined as "sensitive" if they are private, stressful or sacred, and discussion tends to generate an emotional response, for example death and sex. Phenomena that ...
Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon regis... more Objective: To investigate the impact mandatory screening for domestic violence has had upon registered midwives. Design: Three phase study-Phase one involved focus group interviews. Setting: Hospitals in SouthEast Queensland undertaking mandatory domestic violence screening. Participants: Registered midwives undertaking screening for domestic violence. Results: Several barriers were identified that directly impacted upon the midwives' potential to screen effectively. Barriers identified were classified as intrinsic (intrapersonal and perception) and extrinsic (interpersonal, environmental and organisational infrastructure). Principle, conclusions and implications for practice: Although midwives have strong beliefs about the value of domestic violence screening, there is a negative perception about it's efficacy and an assumption of failure due to the barriers identified by the registered midwives.
Uploads
Papers by Heather McCosker-Howard