Poul Bruun

The family’s experience and perception of phases and roles in the progression of dementia: An explorative, interview-based study

This paper examines how the relatives of a person with dementia experience challenges in everyday life. A model of phases is developed on the basis of interviews with 14 relatives from eight families. Data were subjected to a thematic content analysis, which found that the progression of dementia – from the perspective of the family – had three phases. These phases involved small changes in everyday life, adaptations to everyday life, and the loss of everyday life. The analysis further identified the following two archetypes of relatives that develop throughout the progression of dementia: the protective relative and the decisive relative. The study found that the two types of relatives experience different challenges during the three phases. It is important for health professionals to be familiar with these changes, when they evaluate whether the relatives of a person with dementia require help.

The experience of being a participant in one’s own care at discharge and at home, following a severe acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Purpose: In healthcare related to hospital discharge and follow-up, it is acknowledged that patient participation can strengthen self-management in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the meaning of participation in care following a severe acute exacerbation is less described. Therefore, the aim of this part of a larger study was to explore patients’ experiences of participating in their care around discharge and in their subsequent day-to-day care at home. Method: The study was designed as a qualitative, longitudinal study. Data were collected by repeated participant observations and in-depth interviews with 15 patients within a period of 18 months post-discharge. A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was used to interpret the data. Results: Before discharge, the patients struggled to regain a sense of control in their efforts to build up strength, and acquire sufficient clarity and confidence to face self-management at home. At home, the patients strived to comply with advice and encouragement in a struggle to stay motivated and confident, and to ask for help. Conclusions: With more knowledge about patients’ participation in care, healthcare professionals can encounter patients in ways that are sensitive to their specific care and support needs and, thereby, contribute to the promotion of patients’ health and well‐being.

Parental divorce and parental death - An integrative systematic review of children’s double bereavement

The aim of this review was to identify research on children and adolescents who experience double bereavement, i.e. the experience of loss through parental divorce followed by either parental death or critical illness with imminent death. This knowledge may identify evidence to underpin knowledge and practice for nurses and other health professionals, so they can intervene with these children and adolescents more efficaciously. An integrative systematic review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The results show four major themes: Complexity in their experiences of double bereavement; challenges in both custodial and non-custodial parental death; risk of mental health problems, and the need of support and interventions.

73 Methods for teaching evidence-based practice: a scoping review

Background EBP skills are essential requirements in clinical practice among health professionals. Further knowledge about teaching Professional Bachelor Degree healthcare students evidence-based practice at undergraduate level is however needed. This scoping review aims to gather recommendations for teaching evidence-based practice across Professional Bachelor’s Degree healthcare programmes by mapping literature describing teaching methods for undergraduate healthcare students including the five steps suggested by the Sicily Statement. Methods Three databases covering health, education and grey literature were searched. Full-text articles were screened by four reviewers and data extracted to two data extraction tools: Study characteristics and key methods of teaching evidence-based practice. Study characteristics were described narratively. Thematic analysis identified key methods for teaching evidence-based practice while full-text revisions identified the use of the Sicily Statement’s five steps and context. Results The database search identified 1908 records. 181 records were eligible for full-text assessment and 73 studies were included. Studies were conducted from 2010–2016. Seven key methods for teaching evidence-based practice were identified. Research courses and workshops, collaboration with clinical practice and IT technology were the key methods most frequently identified. Journal clubs and embedded librarians were referred to the least. The majority of the methods included 2–4 of the Sicily Statement five steps, while few methods referred to all five steps. Conclusions Collaboration with clinical practice is an advantageous method for teaching undergraduate healthcare students evidence-based practice; incorporating many of the Sicily Statements steps. Journal clubs and embedded librarians should be further investigated as methods to fortify existing methods of teaching.