scholarly journals Domestic abuse amongst female doctors: thematic analysis of qualitative interviews

2020 ◽  
pp. BJGP.2020.0795
Author(s):  
Emily Donovan ◽  
Miriam Santer ◽  
Gavin Daker-White ◽  
Sara Morgan ◽  
Merlin Luke Willcox

Background: Doctors can be victim-survivors of domestic abuse (DA) but it is not well understood how this impacts on their work and wellbeing, and whether they face barriers to seeking help. Aim: To understand single doctor mothers’ lived experience of DA, barriers to seeking help and impact on their work. Design and setting. Individual qualitative interviews with female doctors who had left an abusive relationship. Methods: Participants were invited via a closed online forum for female doctors who are single parents. 114 women expressed interest and 21 participated. In-depth semi-structured telephone interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were uploaded to NVivo and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The internalised stigma of DA affected participants’ sense of identity and belonging as a doctor, causing social and professional isolation. Many participants felt that the acute stress of DA had an impact on their work, yet were often felt unable to take time off. Barriers to seeking help included lack of confidentiality especially where the abusive partner was also a doctor (sometimes accusing the victim-survivor of mental illness or threatening to report them to the GMC). Participants found peer support helpful, as well as consulting health professionals (HPs) who were empathic towards them. After they had left the abusive relationship victim-survivors felt better equipped to support patients going through DA.

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjinnov-2020-000498
Author(s):  
Stephanie Aboueid ◽  
Samantha B Meyer ◽  
James R Wallace ◽  
Shreya Mahajan ◽  
Teeyaa Nur ◽  
...  

ObjectiveSymptom checkers are potentially beneficial tools during pandemics. To increase the use of the platform, perspectives of end users must be gathered. Our objectives were to understand the perspectives and experiences of young adults related to the use of symptom checkers for assessing COVID-19-related symptoms and to identify areas for improvement.MethodsWe conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 22 young adults (18–34 years of age) at a university in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified six main themes related to the decision of using a symptom checker for COVID-19 symptoms: (1) presence of symptoms or a combination of symptoms, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 symptoms, (3) fear of seeking in-person healthcare services, (4) awareness about symptom checkers, (5) paranoia and (6) curiosity. Participants who used symptom checkers shared by governmental entities reported an overall positive experience. Individuals who used non-credible sources reported suboptimal experiences due to lack of perceived credibility. Five main areas for improvement were identified: (1) information about the creators of the platform, (2) explanation of symptoms, (3) personalised experience, (4) language options, and (5) option to get tested.ConclusionsThis study suggests an increased acceptance of symptom checkers due to the perceived risks of infection associated with seeking in-person healthcare services. Symptom checkers have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and health professionals, especially during pandemics; however, these platforms could be improved to increase use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-65
Author(s):  
Abhinand Thaivalappil ◽  
Mariola Mascarenhas ◽  
Lisa A Waddell ◽  
Ian Young

Background: The Publicly Available International Foodborne Outbreak Database (PAIFOD) is a regularly updated repository that contains international outbreak data collected from multiple surveillance systems and sources. As of February 2020, the database contained more than 13,000 entries spanning over 20 years. PAIFOD is the only known database that captures international foodborne outbreak data. Objective: To explore user perceptions and identify potential directions for PAIFOD and make recommendations for databases with food safety information. Methods: Between January and March 2020, 16 semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 24 previous, current and potential PAIFOD users. Interviewees were asked about their knowledge of and experience of using PAIFOD as well as about its strengths and limitations and recommendations for the database. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data and generate themes. Results: Four main themes were generated based on the 24 interviewees’ accounts of their experience with and recommendations for PAIFOD: participants viewed PAIFOD as a useful tool; they weren’t familiar with its contents or purpose; they stated it should become an open-access platform or linked with another information-sharing initiative; and they considered that PAIFOD had the potential to enhance the Agency’s reputation by becoming widely recognized and used. Conclusion: This work, along with the ever-changing landscape of foodborne surveillance, supports the need to ensure that PAIFOD is updated to meet the modern-day demands of food safety experts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 1181-1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ella Guest ◽  
Bruna Costa ◽  
Gillian McCarthy ◽  
Claire Cunniffe ◽  
Nicola Marie Stock

Objective: The birth of a child with a cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) can have a significant emotional and social impact on parents. Yet, the impact on the wider family is rarely investigated. Grandparents are becoming increasingly involved in the care of their grandchildren and may therefore have support needs of their own. The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences and support needs of grandparents of children born with CL/P. Design: Individual semistructured telephone interviews were carried out with 12 grandparents of children born with CL/P and were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were identified (1) emotional impact of CL/P on grandparents, (2) grandparents’ social experiences, (3) grandparents’ involvement, (4) grandparents’ information needs, and (5) grandparents’ support needs. Participants experienced difficult emotions around the time of diagnosis and were concerned about the child’s treatment and future experiences. Participants played a significant role in supporting the whole family, but received little information or support themselves. Conclusions: Grandparents reported experiences comparable to published literature on parents. Clinicians and charitable organizations could consider how existing resources could be made more accessible to and/or adapted for wider family members, including grandparents.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e017073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Liddle ◽  
Roisin Bartlam ◽  
Christian D Mallen ◽  
Sarah L Mackie ◽  
James A Prior ◽  
...  

ObjectivesClinical management of giant cell arteritis (GCA) involves balancing the risks and burdens arising from the disease with those arising from treatment, but there is little research on the nature of those burdens. We aimed to explore the impact of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and its treatment on patients’ lives.MethodsUK patients with GCA participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was employed.Results24 participants were recruited (age: 65–92 years, time since diagnosis: 2 months to >6 years). The overarching themes from analysis were: ongoing symptoms of the disease and its treatment; and ‘life-changing’ impacts. The overall impact of GCA on patients’ lives arose from a changing combination of symptoms, side effects, adaptations to everyday life and impacts on sense of normality. Important factors contributing to loss of normality were glucocorticoid-related treatment burdens and fear about possible future loss of vision.ConclusionsThe impact of GCA in patients’ everyday lives can be substantial, multifaceted and ongoing despite apparent control of disease activity. The findings of this study will help doctors better understand patient priorities, legitimise patients’ experiences of GCA and work with patients to set realistic treatment goals and plan adaptations to their everyday lives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 245-253
Author(s):  
Natalie Pejoski ◽  
Gemma Skaczkowski ◽  
Juli Moran ◽  
Hilary Hodgson ◽  
Carlene Wilson

Background: Little research examines the extent and impact of aggressive or uncomfortable ‘confronting behaviour’ experienced by palliative care nurses, despite palliative wards being an emotionally labile environment. Methods: Qualitative data on nurses' experiences of confrontation were collected from 17 palliative care nurses at a major metropolitan hospital via a focus group and individual interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings: Results indicated that family members were the main perpetrators and tolerance of confrontation varied dependent on the characteristics of the aggressor. Confrontation was described as arising in response to grief, and because of misunderstandings of palliative care goals. Nurses reported a perceived lack of appreciation for their work from some patients' families and feelings of discontent with the nature and amount of structured support available following a confrontation. Informal workplace support helped nurses to deal with these incidents and, despite bad experiences, nurses affirmed their commitment to working in this area. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the demands placed on nurses working in palliative care, and the importance of compassion in moderating the impact of a challenging environment.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 876-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Bogosian ◽  
R Moss-Morris ◽  
L Yardley ◽  
L Dennison

Background Partners of people with multiple sclerosis are known to experience a heavy physical and psychological burden. However, little research has explored, in detail, the partners’ experience in the first years after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of partners of people who are in the relatively early stages of multiple sclerosis. Methods Fifteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to assess partners’ concerns and difficulties. Data were audio-taped, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Results Key themes were being unsure of what the future might hold and feeling helpless and out of control. Furthermore, partners reported that other people could not understand and support them, which led to a feeling of social isolation. Conclusion The research illustrates the disruptive impact that MS has on partners’ lives and highlights the need for support to focus on partners’ needs even in early stages of the disease.


2021 ◽  
pp. 204946372198975
Author(s):  
Ben Davies ◽  
Fiona Cramp ◽  
Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert ◽  
Candida S McCabe

Objective: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a painful complication of diabetes. This study aimed to explore: (1) strategies used by participants to manage impacts of PDN and (2) their perspectives on whether strategies from pain management programmes (PMPs) had applicability for PDN. Design: Participants were recruited through local National Health Service (NHS) diabetes and PDN clinics, and nationally from a diabetes support charity. One-to-one interviews were conducted. The transcribed data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-three people were interviewed who had PDN symptoms for mean 10 years. Four themes emerged from the data: seeking help and advice, pragmatic approach to management, perspectives on physical activity and perspectives on psychological coping strategies. Conclusion: Some participants were open to the strategies advised by PMP strategies. There were also strong opinions that no exercise or psychological approach could help with diabetes-related pain. It is possible PMPs as currently delivered need to be adapted to maximise engagement from people with PDN. Research is required to understand the healthcare priorities of people with PDN and whether these priorities can be mapped to existing management strategies.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049095
Author(s):  
Sharon James ◽  
Christine Ashley ◽  
Anna Williams ◽  
Jane Desborough ◽  
Susan Mcinnes ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThis study sought to explore the experiences of Australian primary healthcare (PHC) nurses in the use of telehealth during COVID-19. Telehealth was defined as the use of any telecommunications mode (eg, telephone and videoconferencing) to deliver healthcare.Design and settingThematic analysis of qualitative interviews undertaken in Australian PHC.ParticipantsTwenty-five PHC nurses who had participated in a national survey about their experiences during COVID-19 were recruited using purposive sampling.MethodsSemistructured telephone interviews were conducted from June to August 2020. Interviews lasted a mean of 38.5 min. They were audio-recorded and transcribed before thematic analysis was undertaken. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research were followed.ResultsFour overarching themes were identified: preparedness, accessibility of telehealth, care experience and impacts on the PHC nurses’ role. Some nurses were experienced in the use of telehealth, while others indicated a lack of preparation and limited appropriate technology to support its use. Telehealth enabled patients to access care but did not support complex clinical assessment. Participants indicated that patient engagement in telehealth was dependent on access and confidence using technology, perceived safety when physically attending the practice and the value they placed on care via telehealth. Many participants expressed frustration about telehealth funding and its impact on facilitating nurses to practise to their full scope.ConclusionTelehealth has provided a means to continue PHC service delivery during COVID-19. While there are advantages to adopting this technology, considerations of the challenges and lessons from this experience are important to inform the future implementation of telehealth initiatives.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Saunders ◽  
Karla Seaman ◽  
Laura Emery ◽  
Debra Crompton ◽  
Chantelle Lynch ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Patients undergoing surgery require pre- and post-operative education. eHealth programs can facilitate the delivery of information, individualised rehabilitation plans and communication with health professionals for surgical patients to promote overall patient recovery. My Hip Journey was an eHealth program designed to provide pre- and postoperative education for patients undergoing a total hip arthroplasty. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore patient experiences of using the eHealth program “My Hip Journey”. METHODS A descriptive, qualitative design was used to explore patient experiences of the eHealth program using semi-structured individual telephone interviews. An inductive thematic analysis was undertaken of the transcribed interviews. RESULTS Nine interviews were conducted. Participants found the program easy to use and three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Information supported recovery; (b) Program motivated recovery and (c) Using technology for recovery. The participants found the eHealth program as a useful means of providing pre- and post-operative education and it built self- confidence in their recovery. CONCLUSIONS eHealth programs can prepare patients for surgical procedures and support them in their recovery and rehabilitation enabling them to feel some control of the surgical journey.


2020 ◽  
pp. 136749352096783
Author(s):  
Nicola Brown ◽  
Tim Luckett ◽  
Patricia M Davidson ◽  
Michelle DiGiacomo

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of poor pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy is a trigger for smoking cessation yet, up to 50% of parents will relapse in the early years of their child’s life. This study explored the smoking-related perceptions and experiences of 11 parents seeking professional help with the care and parenting of babies and toddlers using semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis identified three themes: parenting as a change catalyst, smoking as a parenting challenge and smoking as a coping strategy. Becoming a parent is a catalyst to reduce the associated risks and stigma associated with smoking, but maintaining rules and boundaries can be perceived as a further burden for parents who are struggling to care for their infant. When faced with difficulties with parenting, parents may revert to smoking as a coping strategy. Based on these study findings, interventions targeting gender norms may be useful in addressing smoking cessation.


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