Life story work with persons with dementia in nursing homes: A Grounded Theory study of the perspectives of care staff

Dementia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 282-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Berendonk ◽  
Vera Caine
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Grounded Theory Study ◽  
Story Work

In Germany, the use of life story work as an approach to care in nursing homes has not been implemented successfully. Using Grounded Theory, we explored care staff’s understandings of life story work when caring for persons with dementia. Thirty-six staff from seven nursing homes participated in semi-structured interviews or group discussions. In this paper we discuss new aspects and theoretical connections between understandings and practices of life story work. For some participants, obtaining ‘true facts’ about a resident’s course of life was considered the most important topic. Others highlighted the importance of narratives as well as embodied stories told by persons with dementia, as aspects that generated emotionally meaningful situations. Delivering sound life story work can be challenging for care staff working with persons with dementia. To enhance care in nursing homes, the importance of life story work needs to be further developed.

Insights Into Care Providers’ Understandings of Life Story Work With Persons With Dementia: Findings From a Qualitative Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Berendonk ◽  
Vera Caine
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Nursing Intervention ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Story Work

Background and Purpose: In Germany, life story work, an approach which acknowledges humans as narrative beings and honors biographies, is required by health authorities to be integrated in care provided in nursing homes. Insufficient attention to life story work could place residents at risk of dehumanization, particularly residents with dementia, who depend on support of others to tell and make meaning of their life experiences. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study to gain insights into care providers’ perceptions and practices of life story work with persons with dementia. Thirty-six care providers in 7 nursing homes participated in semistructured interviews or group discussions. We derived subjective theories (individual understandings) of care providers and higher-order concept patterns following the principles and processes of grounded theory. Results: We found a great variation in participants’ understandings of life story work. Some participants were unsure if and how life story work impacts persons with dementia. Starting points for improving the integration of life story work into practice are discussed. Implications for Practice: We conclude that care providers need a better understanding of life story work as a nursing intervention. The importance of the notion of humans as narrative beings and the multiple ways in which we story our lives as well as embody life stories needs to be further developed. Knowledge is required about the practical and systemic challenges of integrating life story work in the care of persons with dementia.

scholarly journals Mealtime Care for People With Dementia: What Do Nursing Home Staff Think?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 182-183
Author(s):  
James Faraday ◽  
Clare Abley ◽  
Catherine Exley ◽  
Joanne Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Direct Care Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Comparison Approach ◽  
The Right

Abstract More and more people with dementia are living in nursing homes (NH). Often, they depend on NH staff for help with eating and drinking. It is important that staff have the skills and support they need to provide good care at mealtimes. This qualitative study explores mealtime care for people with dementia, from the perspective of NH staff. Semi-structured interviews with NH staff (n=16) were carried out in two nursing homes. The homes were chosen to have diverse characteristics: one home had a large number of beds and was part of a small local organization; the other had a small number of beds and was part of a large national organization. Various staff members were interviewed, including direct care staff, senior carers, nurses, managers, and kitchen staff. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A constant comparison approach was taken, so that data from early interviews were explored in more depth subsequently. From the analysis, five themes emerged as important in mealtime care for people with dementia living in nursing homes: Setting the right tone; Working well as a team; Knowing the residents; Promoting autonomy and independence; Gently persevering. This work forms part of a larger ethnographic study on the topic, which includes data from residents with dementia, and family carers. Results will inform the development of a staff training intervention to optimize mealtime care for this population.

scholarly journals An elaboration on the causes of plagiarism in Iran:  a grounded theory study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parvin Abbasi ◽  
Javad yoosefi lebni ◽  
Paricher Nouri ◽  
Arash Ziapour ◽  
Amir Jalali
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
University Professors ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Grounded Theory Study ◽  
Academic Communities ◽  
Technological Advances

Abstract Background: Plagiarism is an ethical and academic issue in which several factors are effective. The presents study is an attempt to introduce a model for elaborating on the causes of plagiarism in Iran. Methods: The study was carried out as a qualitative grounded theory study. The data was collected through deep semi-structured interviews with 32 university professors and postgraduate students at Iranian universities of medical sciences. The participants were selected through purposeful and theoretical sampling. Data analysis was done following Strauss and Crobin (1998). To ensure study vigor, Guba and Lincoln measures were used. Results: A conceptual model of the causes of plagiarism was developed based on analyzing and coding the data. The main core of the model was the emergence of plagiarism and other cores were 1- causal condition: lack of skill, pressure by education system, and lack of awareness; 2- intervening factors: technological advances, legal gaps, and lack of efficient supervision; 3- ground factors: personal traits and attitudes of the academic community; 4- strategy and interventions: role model, supervision, national/international coordination, higher awareness; 5- outcomes; regeneration of plagiarism and negative attitudes towards Iranian authors in academic communities in the world. Conclusion: Several factors affect plagiarism. Among the approaches to attenuate plagiarism in Iranian academic communities are improving self-esteem and self-efficacy in Iranian researchers, emphasizing on quality rather than quantity of published works, discouraging boasting attitudes in the practitioners, denouncing intense competition among researchers, and introducing clear laws and severe punishments for plagiarism.

A labour of love: Reward and satisfaction for nurses: Findings from a grounded theory study in dementia care

Dementia ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 147130122096555
Author(s):  
Julia Gilbert ◽  
Louise Ward ◽  
Ruby Walter
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Registered Nurses ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Grounded Theory Study ◽  
Nurses Perceptions ◽  
Specific Care

Aim To understand nurses’ perceptions of quality nursing care in the dementia-specific care unit. As the world’s population ages, the incidence of dementia is projected to rise in tandem. The requirement for skilled, dementia-trained registered nurses who can provide quality nursing care will need to increase accordingly to meet the needs of these individuals. Extensive research has been completed on dementia nursing care in a variety of settings; however, little research has been undertaken into nurses’ perceptions of quality nursing care in the dementia-specific care unit. Understanding how registered nurses perceive quality nursing care in the dementia-specific care unit is important and provides valuable information about nursing practice in this environment for nurses and decision-makers. Gaining a better understanding of quality nursing care in this care unit may result in better nurse education and an improved patient experience. It may also assist nursing organisations, residential aged-care facilities, government bodies and nongovernment agencies that support, manage, and oversee dementia-specific care units. Method A grounded theory study was conducted to understand nurses’ perceptions of quality nursing care in dementia-specific care units. The study involved interviewing nine registered nurses working in two dementia-specific care units on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Data were collected during semi-structured interviews and analysed using both constant comparison and thematic analysis. Findings Three themes emerged from this study— Caring at the Coalface, Labour of love and the Business of Dementia Healthcare. The largest theme, Labour of love, represents the personal reward and feeling of satisfaction six nurses said they experienced when interacting with individuals living in the dementia-specific care unit. They identified and repeatedly discussed the joy and fulfilment they experienced when caring for them, and considered this to be an essential element of quality nursing care. It was evident from the data that the nurses cared very deeply about these individuals, and despite increased risks to personal safety at work, they did not want to work anywhere else. This article reports on the largest and key theme identified in the study Labour of Love.

scholarly journals Transitions to fatherhood: a constructivist grounded theory study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Suzanne Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Grounded Theory Study ◽  
The North ◽  
First Time

Fathers who are involved with their infants have the potential to make significant positive contributions to their children’s future health, wellbeing, and development. Transitions to fatherhood and the factors that shape those experiences, for some men, are poorly understood. There is a need for an improved awareness of the experiences of first-time fathers to inform policy and practice and improve support and outcomes for these men and their families. The primary aim of this work was to explore contemporary transitions to fatherhood. To this end, a constructivist grounded theory study (CGTM) was undertaken. Twelve new fathers were recruited in the North of England and data were gathered from semi-structured interviews where participants shared their experiences and perspectives of becoming fathers for the first time. Concepts relating to becoming and being fathers were explored in addition to fatherhood identity development. Following analysis of the data via processes fundamental to CGTM, the core category of reconciling father identities was constructed consisting of three theoretical categories: anticipating fatherhood, tensions in fathering and the fluidity of fathering. All participants had strong aspirations for involved fathering performances and took steps to prepare for their new roles. However, they faced various tensions in the workplace, in healthcare and in the normative, often traditional, expectations influenced by social and structural gendered norms. The father roles that they were ascribed by others frequently did not fit with their aspirations during pregnancy and the early months as fathers. They therefore found themselves working through periods of identity reconciliation which impacted upon their self-concept as fathers, their parenting confidence, and their parenting autonomy. Broader consideration of the needs of fathers is required across the arenas in which they perform fatherhood to support the development of positive father identities. This has the potential to benefit the wellbeing of the men themselves, their partners, and their infants. The implications for workplace, healthcare policy and practice are offered including suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals Using Life Story Techniques with Diverse Communities: Lessons Learned from a Focus Group Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 844-845
Author(s):  
Christa Wilk ◽  
Ashlee Cordell ◽  
Silvia Orsulic-Jeras ◽  
Sara Powers ◽  
Farida Ejaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Diverse Communities ◽  
Story Work

Abstract Providing high quality, cost-effective dementia care remains a major health challenge. Life story work, used in residential care settings, helps engage persons living with dementia (PWD) at a low cost with minimal staff burden. LifeBio, one such intervention, is designed to elicit life history data and care preference information through comprehensive life story interviews. LifeBio Memory, an adaptation of LifeBio, utilizes novel speech-to-text technology to process life story data more efficiently. Seven focus groups were conducted to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of LifeBio Memory. Three types of focus groups were held (n=35) and audio recorded: 1) One group of early-stage PWDs (n=5); 2) Two groups of current and former users of original LifeBio (n = 12); and 3) Four groups of residential care staff and directors (n=18). Sessions were transcribed and thematic analyses were conducted. Findings indicated high levels of acceptability and feasibility of LifeBio Memory. Further, a secondary theme emerged signaling the need to prioritize the emotional safety of PWDs participating in life story work. This poster will discuss: 1) the life story interview process, 2) identifying PWDs who would most benefit from a life story program, 3) involving family and staff care partners to identify sensitive topics, 4) interview question design, selection and order, and 5) expanding life story work across diverse communities. Discussion will highlight the importance of protecting the emotional well-being of marginalized communities by identifying potential underlying traumas that could impact the safe delivery of otherwise effective life story interventions.

scholarly journals Social Support in Elderly Nursing Home Populations: Manifestations and Influences

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Rash
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Home Environments ◽  
Reciprocal Relationships ◽  
Central Florida ◽  
Grounded Theory Study

The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of social support and the influencing factors on social support in nursing home environments. Observations and staff questionnaires from two central Florida nursing homes were used in this grounded theory study to answer the following questions: (1) How is social support manifested? and (2) What are influences on social support? Social support manifestations seemed predominantly superficial and did not appear to involve complex reciprocal relationships, however, when reciprocal resident tasks were observed, they appeared to have significant value and were sources of pride for the residents. Facility behaviors and policies required by governmental mandates appeared to result in significant resident dependency, a situation that mitigates against significant social support.

scholarly journals A Street Child’s Perspective: A Grounded Theory Study of How Street Children Experience and Cope with Grief

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somidha Ray
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Street Children ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Street Child ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Grounded Theory Study ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
And Coping

The research project entitled – “A Street Child’s Perspective: A Grounded Theory Study of How Street Child Experience and Cope with Grief,” seeks to understand and explain how street children experience and cope with grief. Grief is multi-faceted and highly subjective. However, most street children, sharing the same contexts and backgrounds show some commonality in their experiences and coping styles. The paper attempts to understand grief as it is subjectively experienced by street children. The research employed qualitative techniques – In-Depth Interviewing, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and field notes. The researcher contacted an NGO and through them, gained access to street shelters. The sample comprised of 18 street children - 9 boys; 9 girls, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. After the data was collected using the aforementioned methods, Constructivist Grounded Theory was subsequently used to analyze the data. The results emphasize how similar backgrounds – familial, educational, religious – and shared experiences have influenced expressions of grief and coping styles. Most street children come from broken families and are migrants; they lack enhanced level of literacy; and religion defines their existence – all these factors coalesce to shape their perspective on grief. Street children experience grief collectively, rather than as separate individuals. Their coping styles reflect underlying common patterns that help them connect with one another and experience grief together.

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