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  • 1.
    Ahlin, Johan
    et al.
    Umeå University.
    Ericson-Lidman, Eva
    Umeå University.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Reserch Centre, PRC. Umeå University.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå University.
    Revalidation of the Perceptions of Conscience Questionnaire (PCQ) and the Stress of Conscience Questionnaire (SCQ)2012In: Nursing Ethics, ISSN 0969-7330, E-ISSN 1477-0989, Vol. 19, no 2, p. 220-232Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 2. Aléx, Lena
    et al.
    Hammarström, Anne
    Gustafson, Yngve
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Lundman, Berit
    Constructions of various femininities among the oldest old women.2006In: Health Care for Women International, ISSN 0739-9332, E-ISSN 1096-4665, Vol. 27, no 10, p. 853-72Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This study forms part of the Umeå 85+ Study, and the aim was to explore various gendered constructions of femininities among the oldest old women. Femininities are seen as various ways of shaping oneself as a woman in relation to the impact of historical, social, and cultural circumstances. Thematic narratives were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Through interpreting these narratives in the light of gender theories, we were able to discern four femininities: "being connected," "being an actor," "living in the shadow of others," and "being alienated." The oldest old women displayed complex outlooks on femininities, and no femininity was interpreted as being in the center related to the other femininities. Further research is needed in order to disclose the complexity of femininities related to factors such as social class, ethnicity, and financial situation among the oldest old, and to acquire a greater knowledge of various femininities.

  • 3. Aléx, Lena
    et al.
    Hammarström, Anne
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Lundman, Berit
    Balancing within various discourses--the art of being old and living as a Sami woman.2006In: Health Care for Women International, ISSN 0739-9332, E-ISSN 1096-4665, Vol. 27, no 10, p. 873-92Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this part of the Umeå 85+ Study was to explore how indigenous women narrate their lives and their experience of being old as Sami women. Interviews with 9 old Sami women were analyzed using grounded theory. The categories identified were "reindeer as the basis of life," "longing for significant Sami values," "feeling valued as a Sami woman," and "changing for survival;" these evolved into the core category: "balancing within various discourses-the art of being old and living as a Sami woman." Knowing how to balance provided the ability to make use of available opportunities.

  • 4. Aléx, Lena
    et al.
    Hammarström, Anne
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Lundman, Berit
    Construction of masculinities among men aged 85 and older in the north of Sweden.2008In: Journal of Clinical Nursing, ISSN 0962-1067, E-ISSN 1365-2702, Vol. 17, no 4, p. 451-9Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: The aim was to analyse the construction of masculinities among men aged 85 and older. BACKGROUND: All societies have a gender order, constructed from multiple ideas of what is seen as feminine and masculine. As the group of men aged 85 and older is increasing in size and their demand for care will increase, we must recognize the importance of studying these men and various discourses of masculinities. DESIGN: Qualitative explorative. METHODS: Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse thematic narratives. Masculinity theories provided the point of departure for the analysis. RESULTS: The analysis coalesced into three masculinities. 'Being in the male centre', developed from subthemes as: taking pride in one's work and economic situation; being in the centre in relation to others; regarding women as sexual objects; and belonging to a select group. 'Striving to maintain the male facade' developed from subthemes as: emphasizing 'important' connections; having feelings of loss; striving to maintain old norms and rejecting the fact of being old. 'Being related' was formulated from subthemes as: feeling at home with domestic duties; being concerned; accepting one's own aging; and reflecting on life. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates the importance of being aware of the existence of multiple masculinities, in contrast to the generally unproblematic and unsubtle particular healthcare approaches which consider men as simply belonging to one masculinity. Relevance to clinical practice. Diverse masculinities probably affect encounters between men and healthcare providers and others who work with an older population and therefore our results are of importance in a caring context.

  • 5. Angström-Brännström, Charlotte
    et al.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Jansson, Lilian
    Narratives of children with chronic illness about being comforted.2008In: Journal of Pediatric Nursing: Nursing Care of Children and Families, ISSN 0882-5963, E-ISSN 1532-8449, Vol. 23, no 4, p. 310-6Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of the study was to examine how children with chronic illnesses narrate their experience of being comforted in hospital. During interviews, seven children, 4-10 years old described their experiences and made drawings. Thematic content analysis revealed following themes: being physically close to one's family, feeling safe and secure, staff being there for the children, and children being there for parents and siblings. Mother was identified as the most important comforter. The findings suggest that trusting in the staff's knowledge and professional skills is a prerequisite for children to feel "at home", and safe in hospital. Being close to one's family is even more important.

  • 6.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    et al.
    University of Tromsø, Norway.
    Jansson, Lilian
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    Facial Expressions of Patients With Dementia: A Comparison of Two Methods of Interpretation1995In: International psychogeriatrics, ISSN 1041-6102, E-ISSN 1741-203X, Vol. 7, no 4, p. 527-534Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Two methods of interpreting the videotaped facial expressions of four patients with severe dementia of the Alzheimer type were compared. Interpretations of facial expressions performed by means of unstructured naturalistic judgements revealed episodes when the four patients exhibited anger, disgust, happiness, sadness, and surprise. When these episodes were assessed by use of modified version of the Facial Action Coding System, there was, in total, 48% agreement between the two methods. The highest agreement, 98%, occurred for happiness shown by one patient. It was concluded that more emotions could be judged by means of the unstructured naturalistic method, which is based on an awareness of the total situation that facilitates imputing meaning into the patients' cues. It is a difficult task to find a balance between imputing too much meaning into the severely demented patients' sparse and unclear cues and ignoring the possibility that there is some meaning to be interpreted.

  • 7.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    et al.
    University of Tromsø, Norway.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    Caregivers' Reactions to the Physical Appearance of a Person in the Final Stage of Dementia as Measured by Semantic Differentials1993In: The International Journal of Aging & Human Development, ISSN 0091-4150, E-ISSN 1541-3535, Vol. 37, no 3, p. 205-215Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The semantic differential (SeD) technique was applied to 158 caregivers from a nursing home in the northern part of Sweden. The questionnaire contained fifty-eight bipolar scales of adjective pairs and the interviewees indicated then-reactions to a described picture of a severely demented person: A factor analysis revealed three dimensions; an ethical one, an esthetical one, and one about the person's own feelings. The fifty-eight scales were mostly rated toward the negative poles. The severely demented person was rated as painful, apathetic, suffering, weak, afraid, sad, cold, dark, rough, and ugly.

    Four years later a comparable group of caregivers (n = 93) answered a revised questionnaire containing the 26 SeD scales with factor loadings > .50 for the picture of the severely demented person. The result was nearly identical and alternative interpretations are discussed.

  • 8.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Adolfsson, Rolf
    The Sucking Behaviour of Two Patients in the Final Stage of Dementia of the Alzheimer Type1991In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 5, no 3, p. 141-147Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Two patients in the final stage of dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), who could no longer be given nutrition by assisted feeding, were given fluids by means of the sucking ability they still retained. They sucked more slowly under nutritive than under non-nutritive sucking conditions. The sucking efficiency of one of them improved during training. The status of the patients in the final stage of their dementia differed from one another, which might explain the difference in outcome. It is therefore suggested, that the use of the patients' sucking ability could serve as a complement and/or an alternative feeding technique when assisted spoon-feeding becomes extremely difficult or impossible. It is considered to be more gentle and natural than the present feeding techniques.

  • 9. Asplund, Kenneth
    et al.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Adolfsson, Rolf
    Waxman, Howard M.
    Facial expressions in severely demented patients: a stimulus-response study of four patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type1991In: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, ISSN 0885-6230, E-ISSN 1099-1166, Vol. 6, no 8, p. 599-606Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The ability to exhibit facial expressions was studied in four patients with severe dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT), by means of the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) and physiological responses (heart rate, respiration, skin temperature) under pleasant and unpleasant stimulus conditions. Complex facial expressions that could be interpreted as expressions of emotions were not seen. An increase in the number of facial movements and changes in the physiological responses were seen most markedly under the unpleasant stimulus condition. The patients' reactions during the assumed pleasant stimulus conditions indicated comfort. Different reactions were obtained among the patients. The importance of developing further methods to identify and interpret facial movements in nurse-patient relationships is emphasized.

  • 10.
    Aström, Sture
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Karlsson, Stig
    Umeå universitet.
    Sandvide, Asa
    Umeå universitet.
    Bucht, Gösta
    Umeå universitet.
    Eisemann, Martin
    University of Tromsoe.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    Saveman, Britt-Inger
    Staff's experience of and the management of violent incidents in elderly care2004In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 18, no 4, p. 410-416Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Violence towards staff has become an important issue, since it has been reported to be common in various health care settings. This study aimed to describe emotional reactions among staff being exposed to violence in residential community care for the elderly: to investigate consequences from violent incidents and to describe the management of violent incidents. Data were collected by telephone interviews with nursing staff reporting incidents of violence. During the period of investigation, 97 of 848 staff (11.4%) reported that they had been exposed to violence. More than one-third of them reported subsequent wound and bruises from the incident and two of the exposed staff consulted a doctor because of the violent incident. The most frequently reported reactions among the staff were aggression, astonishment, and antipathy against the perpetrating care recipient, as well as insufficiency, powerlessness, insult and fear. A majority of the incidents were judged as intentionally perpetuating from the care recipient. Most of the violent incidents were managed by informal discussions in the working team. A low number of the reported incidents of violence involved formal discussions with nurse managers.

  • 11.
    Athlin, Elsy
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    Umeå universitet.
    Caregivers' perceptions and interpretations of severely demented patients during feeding in a task assignment system.1990In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 4, no 4, p. 147-155Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Ninety-one focused interviews concerning the feeding of 23 severely demented patients were performed with 62 caregivers who fed the patients in a task assignment system. The aim was to increase the understanding about how caregivers perceive and interpret severely demented patients' behaviour and experiences during feeding. Content analysis showed that the caregivers' commitment or lack of commitment constituted a superior level that determined whether the patient was seen as a subject or as an object. Subcategories that were found were knowledge of the patient's disease and personal history, intuition, identification, empathy, generalisation and routinisation.

  • 12.
    Athlin, Elsy
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    Umeå universitet.
    Jansson, Lilian
    Feeding problems in severely demented patients seen from task and relationship aspects1989In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 3, no 3, p. 113-121Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This study aimed at increasing the understanding of feeding problems in severely demented patients cared for in a task assignment system. Twenty-three video-recordings made during the feeding of 15 severely demented patients and 55 focused interviews with 45 caregivers, who fed the 15 patients during that period were analysed regarding the feeding problems seen from a task aspect and from a relationship aspect. The result indicated that the problems were partly of a more constant nature and partly fluctuated from meal to meal. Feeding problems regarding the task aspect were mentioned first by the caregivers in the interviews in spite of the fact that the patients had severe communication problems which could be expected to cause great problems in the relationship between the patient and his caregiver. Reasons for these findings are suggested.

     

  • 13.
    Athlin, Elsy
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    Umeå universitet.
    Jansson, Lilian
    Probleme des Essenseingebens bei schwer dementen Patientinnen unter den Aspekten "Verrichtung" und "Beziehung"1993In: Pflege, Die wissenschaftliche Zeitschrift für Pflegeberufe, ISSN 1012-5302, E-ISSN 1664-283X, Vol. 6, no 2, p. 120-128Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 14.
    Benzein, Eva
    et al.
    Linnéuniversitetet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    Sahlberg Blom, Eva
    Örebro Universitet.
    Ternestedt, Britt-Marie
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    Andershed, Birgitta
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    Ett vårdvetenskapligt perspektiv på forskning i livets slutskede: erfarenheter från Sverige2009In: Omsorg: Nordisk tidsskrift for Palliativ Medisin, ISSN 0800-7489, no 4, p. 19-22Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [sv]

    Denna artikel belyser kortfattat utvecklingen av vårdvetenskaplig forskning om vård i livets slutskede i Sverige från 1970-talet fram till idag. Den visar en ökning av forskningen när det gäller den döende personens, närståendes och personalens perspektiv. Vidare beskrivs exempel på forskning som bedrivs vid Enheten för forskning om vård i livets slutskede vid Ersta Sköndal högskola; en forskningsmiljö som kunnat formaliseras till innehåll och struktur med hjälp av en donation. Exempel ges på projekt med beskrivande och intervenerande designer. Områden som behöver studeras ytterligare är individers/familjens situation i samband med döende och död, döende personer med demenssjukdom och döende och död ur ett mångkulturellt perspektiv och ur ett genusperspektiv. Större mångvetenskapliga forskningsprojekt behövs. En stor utmaning är också att överbrygga gapet mellan forskning och klinisk verksamhet.

  • 15. Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Brulin, Christine
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Boman, Kurt
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Being a palliative nurse for persons with severe congestive heart failure in advanced homecare.2005In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 4, no 4, p. 314-23Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Advanced homecare for persons with congestive heart failure is a 'new' challenge for palliative nurses. The aim of this study is to illuminate the meaning of being a palliative nurse for persons with severe congestive heart failure in advanced homecare. Narrative interviews with 11 nurses were conducted, tape-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. One meaning of being a palliative nurse is being firmly rooted and guided by the values of palliative culture. Being adaptable to the patient's way of life carries great weight. On one hand nurses live out this value, facilitating for the patients to live their everyday life as good as possible. Being a facilitator is revealed as difficult, challenging, but overall positive. On the other hand nurses get into a tight corner when values of palliative culture clash and do not correspond with the nurses interpretation of what is good for the person with congestive heart failure. Being in such a tight corner is revealed as frustrating and giving rise to feelings of inadequacy. Thus, it seems important to reflect critical on the values of palliative culture.

  • 16. Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Ekman, Inger
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Boman, Kurt
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Living with severe chronic heart failure in palliative advanced home care.2006In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 5, no 4, p. 295-302Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Living with severe chronic heart failure (CHF) in palliative care has been little studied. AIM: The aim of this study is to illuminate meaning of living with severe CHF in palliative advanced home care through patients' narratives. METHODS: Narrative interviews were conducted with 4 patients, tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. RESULTS: Meaning of living with severe CHF in palliative advanced home care emerged as 'knocking on death's door' although surviving. The course of the illness forces one to live a 'roller coaster life,' with an ongoing oscillation between ups and downs. Making it through the downs breeds a kind of confidence in one's ability to survive and the will to live is strong. Being offered a safety belt in the 'roller coaster' by the palliative advanced home care team evokes feelings of security. CONCLUSIONS: Meaning of living with severe CHF in palliative advanced home care is on one hand, being aware of one's imminent death, on the other hand, making it through the downs i.e. surviving life-threatening conditions, breed confidence in also surviving the current down. Being constructively dependent on palliative advanced home care facilitates everyday life at home.

  • 17.
    Choowattanapakorn, Tassana
    et al.
    Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
    Aléx, Lena
    Umeå universitet.
    Lundman, Berit
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Reserch Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Nygren, Björn
    Umeå universitet.
    Resilience among women and men aged 60 years and over in Sweden and in Thailand.2010In: Nursing and Health Sciences, ISSN 1441-0745, E-ISSN 1442-2018, Vol. 12, no 3, p. 329-335Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The purpose of this study was to compare the level of resilience of people aged > or = 60 years in Sweden and Thailand. In a randomized sample of 422 people in Sweden and a convenience sample of 200 people in Thailand, the level of resilience was measured by using the Resilience Scale. A chi(2)-analysis was used for the differences between proportions. The relationships between the background variables and the resilience scores were analyzed by using stepwise multiple linear regression. The mean scores of resilience were 144 for the Swedish participants and 146 for the Thai participants. The two samples differed in their background characteristics. The Thai participants were more likely to be women, to be widowed, and to have more children, while among the Swedish participants, more women were married and more participants were aged > or = 80 years. Despite different background characteristics, the Swedish and the Thai participants' scores were almost the same on the Resilience Scale. More studies are necessary to address aspects of gender and ethnicity in relation to resilience.

  • 18.
    Cronfalk, Berit Seiger
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Karolinska institutet; Høgskolen Stord/Haugesund, Norway.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Ternestedt, Britt-Marie
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    They are still the same: Family members' stories about their relatives with dementia disorders as residents in a nursing home.2018In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 32, no 1, p. 168-176Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In order to better understand the context of suffering from dementia disorders, greater efforts should be made to understand and identify what persons with such disorders experience when living in a nursing home. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain further understanding of how persons with dementia disorders experienced and coped with their changed life situation after being relocated to a nursing home as described by their family members' perceptions. Qualitative data were collected from ten interviews with family members and evaluated using content analysis. The main findings suggest that residents with dementia disorders largely maintained their personality intact throughout the trajectory of illness as they were able to keep their habits and interests. The local environment of the nursing home and the residents' relationships to staff were important in order to feel accepted. Four categories were discerned during the analysis: living in limbo; coming to peace; keeping old habits and relationships; and thoughts about impending death. It is reasonable to believe that old habits and interests may be preserved as the embodiment of such habits are deeply rooted and connected to a person's identity even when going through various changes and transitions in life. Therefore, to be accepted as the person you are requires care and services to specific needs, i.e. person-centeredness. Lack of understanding from staff may therefore have an adverse effect on a person's self-respect and identity. For that reason, staff needs to reflect on their attitudes and relationships as well as extending their knowledge about how to address sensitive topics such as the residents' impending death. To achieve this support from managers is pivotal. Future research should focus on support to nursing staff to further knowledge and understanding about the individual changes resident go through near the end of life.

  • 19. Dahlqvist, Vera
    et al.
    Eriksson, Sture
    Glasberg, Ann-Louise
    Lindahl, Elisabeth
    Lützén, Kim
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Söderberg, Anna
    Sørlie, Venke
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Development of the perceptions of conscience questionnaire.2007In: Nursing Ethics, ISSN 0969-7330, E-ISSN 1477-0989, Vol. 14, no 2, p. 181-93Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Health care often involves ethically difficult situations that may disquiet the conscience. The purpose of this study was to develop a questionnaire for identifying various perceptions of conscience within a framework based on the literature and on explorative interviews about perceptions of conscience (Perceptions of Conscience Questionnaire). The questionnaire was tested on a sample of 444 registered nurses, enrolled nurses, nurses' assistants and physicians. The data were analysed using principal component analysis to explore possible dimensions of perceptions of conscience. The results showed six dimensions, found also in theory and empirical health care studies. Conscience was perceived as authority, a warning signal, demanding sensitivity, an asset, a burden and depending on culture. We conclude that the Perceptions of Conscience Questionnaire is valid for assessing some perceptions of conscience relevant to health care providers.

  • 20. Dahlqvist, Vera
    et al.
    Söderberg, Anna
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Dealing with stress: patterns of self-comfort among healthcare students.2008In: Nurse Education Today, ISSN 0260-6917, E-ISSN 1532-2793, Vol. 28, no 4, p. 476-84Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Stress among healthcare students is a growing problem. As self-comfort is assumed to be a way of coping with stressful emotions, the aim of this study was to describe the patterns of self-comforting actions that healthcare students usually use in distress. One hundred and sixty-eight healthcare students volunteered to write down accounts of what they do when they comfort themselves. Their accounts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal two themes: Ingressing and Transcending. Ingressing comprises the sub-themes Unloading, Distracting, Nurturing oneself, Withdrawing and Reassuring. Transcending comprises the sub-themes Opening up and Finding new perspectives. These findings are in line with some stress-reducing strategies described in the literature on stress management. Winnicott's theory about the phenomenon of transition is used to interpret the findings. In the light of Winnicott's theory, self-comforting measures can be comprehended as the ability to transfer early childhood experiences of being nurtured and comforted into well-adapted strategies to effect relaxation and gain strength.

  • 21. Dahlqvist, Vera
    et al.
    Söderberg, Anna
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Facing inadequacy and being good enough: psychiatric care providers' narratives about experiencing and coping with troubled conscience.2009In: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, ISSN 1351-0126, E-ISSN 1365-2850, Vol. 16, no 3, p. 242-7Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this study is to illuminate the meaning of encounters with a troubled conscience among psychiatric therapists. Psychiatric care involves ethical dilemmas which may affect conscience. Conscience relates to keeping or losing a sense of personal integrity when making judgments about one's actions. Ten psychiatric therapists were interviewed in June 2006. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and interpreted using a phenomenological-hermeneutic method. Two themes 'Facing inadequacy' and 'Struggling to view oneself as being 'good enough'' are presented. In the therapists interviewed, awareness of their use of power, a sense of powerlessness and a sense of blame gave rise to feelings of betrayals and shameful inadequacy. By sharing their inadequacy with co-workers, they managed to endure the sense of their inadequacy which otherwise would have threatened to paralyse them. Finding consolation in sharing wearing feelings, becoming realistic and attesting their worthiness, they reached reconciliation and found confirmation of being good enough. The findings are interpreted in light of Lögstrup's ethics of trust, according to which conscience alerts us to silent but radical ethical demand and the risk of self-deception.

  • 22.
    Eggers, Thomas
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Ekman, Sirkka-Liisa
    Karolinska institutet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Reserch Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Nursing Staff's Understanding Expressions of People With Advanced Dementia Disease2013In: Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, ISSN 1541-6577, E-ISSN 1945-7286, Vol. 27, no 1, p. 19-34Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    People with advanced dementia disease (ADD) are known to have communication difficulties and thus it presents a challenge in understanding the expressions of these people. Because successful communication presupposes cooperation at least between 2 individuals, both individual's actions must be acknowledged. The aim of this study is to describe nursing staff's ways of understanding the expressions of people with ADD when communicating with them. Interviews from 8 nursing staff were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Two themes were constructed: “Being in communication” and “Doing communication.” Being in communication means that nursing staff perceive people with ADD as being capable of communication. Doing communication means that nursing staff attempt different individualized strategies to understand what people with ADD communicate. Good care of people with ADD presupposes nursing staff that are willing and able to relate to other people and to maintain good care for people with ADD continuous education and supervision are needed.

  • 23. Eggers, Thomas
    et al.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Ekman, Sirkka-Liisa
    Counteracting fragmentation in the care of people with moderate and severe dementia.2005In: Clinical Nursing Research, ISSN 1054-7738, E-ISSN 1552-3799, Vol. 14, no 4, p. 343-69Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Symptoms such as amnesia, agnosia, apraxia, and aphasia may lead to a fragmented experience and actions among people with moderate and severe dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the interactions where fragmentation occurred and how caregivers counteract fragmentation. The observation notes from participant observations were analyzed using interpretive content analysis. Fragmentation was noted if the patients showed that they did not recognize what was going on, the people involved, the things used in the action, or did not recognize themselves in the situation. Care providers could counteract fragmentation by a caring based on attentive interest in the interaction, valuing the person behind the dementia disease, using an individual perspective considering the impact of the dementia disease, and striving for mutual interpretation of the shared situation. Caring based on these assumptions could help the patients to keep their world together.

  • 24. Ekman, Inger
    et al.
    Britten, Nicky
    Bördin, Jens
    Codagnone, Cristiano
    Edén, Staffan
    Forslund, Daniel
    Fredman, Pam
    Grip, Lars
    Hedman, Håkan
    Hesselbom, Ted
    van Dijk Härd, Iris
    Larkö, Olle
    Lindström, Irma
    Lindström, Lisa
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    Olauson, Anders
    Rosén, Henrik
    Seddig, Akbar
    Tennant, Alan
    Westerteichert, Christoph
    Ålsnäs, Björn
    Swedberg, Karl
    The person-centred approach to an ageing society2013In: European Journal for Person Centered Healthcare, ISSN 2052-5656, Vol. 1, no 1, p. 132-137Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Modern care is often based on investigations such as laboratory markers and imaging - for example, x-ray or ultrasound. The results contribute to a diagnosis and, if judged necessary, treatment is initiated. This diseased-oriented approach is the prevailing mode of management in modern medicine. In contrast, person-centered care (PCC) takes the point of departure from each person´s subjective experience of illness and its impact on daily life. A patient is considered as a person with emotions and feelings. PCC is considered present within clinical care according to a definition articulated by the Centre for Person Centred Care at the University of Gothenburg (GPCC) when three core components are present: elicitation of a detailed patient narrative; formulated partnership between caregiver and patient and documentation of the partnership in the patient record. Accordingly, when there is an illness requiring care and the person is attended using these components, PCC is being applied. In most situations today, PCC is not applied as the narrative is not fully elicited or the partnership and/or the documentation are not included. It is proposed that the challenge to Society arising from changing demographics can be addressed by implementing PCC and creating an alternative to existing healthcare. The importance and benefits of such an approach on a wider scale is not yet clear as research has been limited to date. Studies in selected patient populations (heart failure and hip fractures), however, have shown promising results. As the population ages, there will be a dramatic increase in healthcare consumption. Even with technological developments, there will be a need for tremendous resources to be dedicated to care. A new organization and attitude from healthcare policymakers and providers above and beyond the present model appears required in order to respond to this demand. As part of such change, person-centred care, with the interaction between healthcare providers and the person of the patient, can facilitate, compensate and develop more effective healthcare services for the future.

  • 25.
    Ekman, Inger
    et al.
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Swedberg, Karl
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Taft, Charles
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Lindseth, Anders
    Göteborgs universitet; Bodø University College.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Enheten för forskning i palliativ vård. Göteborgs universitet; Umeå universitet.
    Brink, Eva
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Carlsson, Jane
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Dahlin-Ivanoff, Synneve
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Johansson, Inga-Lill
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Kjellgren, Karin
    Linköpings universitet.
    Lidén, Eva
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Öhlén, Joakim
    Institutionen för vårdvetenskap och hälsa, Sahlgrenska akademin, Göteborgs universitet.
    Olsson, Lars-Eric
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Rosén, Henrik
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Rydmark, Martin
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Stibrant Sunnerhagen, Katharina
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Person-centered care: Ready for prime time2011In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 10, no 4, p. 248-251Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Long-term diseases are today the leading cause of mortality worldwide and are estimated to be the leading cause of disability by 2020. Person-centered care (PCC) has been shown to advance concordance between care provider and patient on treatment plans, improve health outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. Yet, despite these and other documented benefits, there are a variety of significant challenges to putting PCC into clinical practice. Although care providers today broadly acknowledge PCC to be an important part of care, in our experience we must establish routines that initiate, integrate, and safeguard PCC in daily clinical practice to ensure that PCC is systematically and consistently practiced, i.e. not just when we feel we have time for it. In this paper, we propose a few simple routines to facilitate and safeguard the transition to PCC. We believe that if conscientiously and systematically applied, they will help to make PCC the focus and mainstay of care in long-term illness.

  • 26.
    Ericson-Lidman, Eva
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Franklin Larsson, Lise-Lotte
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Sophiahemmet högskola.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Caring for people with dementia disease (DD) and working in a private not-for-profit residential care facility for people with DD2014In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 28, no 2, p. 337-346Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Caring for people with dementia and working in dementia care is described as having both rewarding and unpleasant aspects and has been studied to a minor extent. This study aims to explore care providers' narrated experiences of caring for people with dementia disease (DD) and working in a private not-for-profit residential care facility for people with DD. Nine care providers were interviewed about their experiences, the interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed that participants were struggling to perform person-centred care, which meant trying to see the person behind the disease, dealing with troublesome situations in the daily care, a two-edged interaction with relatives, feelings of shortcomings and troubled conscience, and the need for improvements in dementia care. The analysis also revealed an ambiguous work situation, which meant a challenging value base, the differently judged work environment, feelings of job satisfaction and the need for a functional leadership and management. The results illuminate participants' positive as well as negative experiences and have identified areas requiring improvements. It seems of great importance to strive for a supportive and attendant leadership, a leadership which aims to empower care providers in their difficult work. Using conscience as a driving force together in the work group may benefit care providers' health.

  • 27.
    Ericson-Lidman, Eva
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Reserch Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Persson, Birgitta
    Umeå universitet.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå universitet.
    Healthcare personnel's experiences of situations in municipal elderly care that generate troubled conscience2013In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 27, no 2, p. 215-223Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Healthcare personnel may perceive troubled conscience when feeling inadequate and powerless. It is important to further explore healthcare personnel’s descriptions of situations in daily work, which generate troubled conscience to increase the awareness of such situations. This study aimed to describe health care personnel's experiences of situations in municipal elderly care that generate troubled conscience. In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with Registered and Enrolled nurses and nursing assistants (n = 20) working in municipal elderly care. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed with content analysis. Situations that generated troubled conscience was (i) Being caught between different demands, comprising being forced to prioritize between different residents’ needs, being torn between residents’-/relatives’-/and co-workers’ needs and expectations’ and between work and private life, (ii) Being torn away from residents to other ‘must do’s’, comprising stealing time from residents’ to do housekeeping chore’ and to ‘obey’ rules and recommendations, (iii) Feeling unable to relieve suffering, comprising falling short when striving to help, lacking knowledge, advice and support and time to ease residents’ suffering and finally, (iv) Being part of providing care that is or feels wrong, comprising providing poor care and/or witnessing co-workers providing poor care, and being forced to give care that feels wrong. These findings identify important factors that generate stress of conscience (stress caused by troubled conscience), including difficulties with balancing priorities and following rules and recommendations that seem contrary to best care, and the need for interdisciplinary teamwork. Findings point to that sharing what conscience tells in the work team opens up possibilities for healthcare personnel to constructively deal with troubled conscience. Intervention studies are needed to explore whether such measures contribute to relieve the burden of troubled conscience and increase possibilities to provide high quality care.

  • 28. Ericson-Lidman, Eva
    et al.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Meanings of being a female co-worker to a person developing burnout.2007In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 21, no 2, p. 155-62Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Burnout is dramatically increasing in many industrialised countries. Burnout is mainly studied from the perspective of the burnout person although it has been confirmed to affect co-workers as well. This study aimed to illuminate meanings of being a female co-worker to a person developing burnout. Fifteen interviews with nursing and medical staff were performed, tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim and a phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. One meaning of being a female co-worker is struggling, on the one hand to understand and help the person developing burnout and on the other hand to manage their work and survive oneself. This means to be torn between helping the workmate and managing their work. Co-workers are filled with contradictory feelings, from deep concern to aversion and when the workmate finally goes on sick leave, co-workers' feelings of shortcomings and failure emerge, along with troubled conscience. This study reveals a picture of the difficulties of being a female co-worker to a person developing burnout that it is crucial to be aware of.

  • 29.
    Fagerberg, Ingegerd
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    “Learning by doing”: Or how to reach an understanding of the research method phenomenological hermeneutics2009In: Nurse Education Today, ISSN 0260-6917, E-ISSN 1532-2793, Vol. 29, no 7, p. 735-739Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    One problem addressed in teaching graduate students qualitative research methods is practising the cognitive and conative skills that students need to generate both rich data and meaningful analysis.

    The aim of the study was to illuminate development in a group of pre-doctoral and doctoral students as they learnt the phenomenological hermeneutics research method.

    In a course comprising 18 doctoral students we used the “guided path” pedagogical approach and decided to use a subject of which everyone has lived experience, “troubled conscience”, for the phenomenological hermeneutic analysis conducted with the students. As the students progressed in their learning experience of the research method, they analysed their data according to the steps in the method, and we as teachers conducted separate analyses of the same data.

    The results point in the same direction as previous studies in the field. This is discussed in terms of strength of the pedagogical approach and the students’ learning, since despite the fact that their data are limited and not very detailed they were able to come up with results that were in line with previous research.

  • 30. Fischer, Regina Santamäki
    et al.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Lundman, Berit
    Embracing opposites: meanings of growing old as narrated by people aged 852008In: The International Journal of Aging & Human Development, ISSN 0091-4150, E-ISSN 1541-3535, Vol. 67, no 3, p. 259-71Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Many old people suffer from prolonged and multiple bodily ailments, new diseases, and increased risk for disadvantages and losses in life. Aging also means becoming mature and wise. This study illuminates the meaning of the lived experience with respect to changes in late life. Using a phenomenological hermeneutic method, this study analyzes transcribed interviews of 15 85-year-old people. Four themes were formulated: embracing weakness and strength, embracing slowness and swiftness of time, embracing reconciliation and regret, and embracing connectedness and loneliness. From these analyses, growing old was described as--maintaining one's identity in spite of the changes that come with aging and, embracing opposites--being changed and feeling being the same.

  • 31. Fischer, Regina Santamäki
    et al.
    Nygren, Björn
    Lundman, Berit
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Living Amidst Consolation in the Presence of God Perceptions of Consolation Among the Oldest Old: The Umeå 85+ Study.2007In: Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, ISSN 1552-8030, Vol. 19, no 3, p. 3-20Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This study describes how 90-year-olds and older people perceive consolation. Qualitative Content analysis of 49 interviews revealed four categories: consolation by God; consolation from others; consolation from self; and consolation from things, which were present in two themes. The theme "Living amidst consolation in the presence of God" was a core theme and expresses consolation as self-evident and based on a relation to God, others, self, and things. The theme "Seeking consolation," expresses consolation from self, others, things, or God. Interviewees in some cases regretted that they had no religious faith. Reasonably, most interviewees referred to religious consolation, as religion had been so closely connected with the word "consolation" all their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

  • 32.
    Fjelltun, Aud-Mari
    et al.
    University of Tromsø, Norway.
    Henriksen, Nils
    University of Tromsø, Norway.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. University of Tromsø, Norway & Umeå universitet.
    Gilje, Fredricka
    School of Nursing, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA.
    Normann, Hans Ketil
    University of Tromsø, Norway.
    Functional levels and nurse workload of elderly awaiting nursing home placement and nursing home residents: a comparative study2009In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 23, no 4, p. 736-747Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this study was twofold: to compare the functional levels of elderly awaiting nursing home placement and nursing home residents, and to compare their nurses' physical and psychological workloads. In Norway, the demand for nursing home placement has increased greatly. Elderly awaiting placement can receive care from home health care services and/or from their families. Documenting elderly's functional levels may illuminate the extent of the carers' workloads and the need for support during the waiting period. The study was conducted in 2005 on two groups in northern Norway. Using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale to assess functional levels, one group of nurses assessed elderly awaiting nursing home placement (n = 36) and another group of nurses assessed nursing home residents (n = 47). The nurses also reported physical and psychological workloads in caring for these elderly. A comparison of the functional levels between elderly awaiting nursing home placement and nursing home residents showed few statistically significant differences. Nursing home residents had two lower motor functions, needed more assistance with activities of daily living, more regular administration of enemas, were more often unable to speak, and showed lower orientation levels. Clinically significant similarities were found in five motor functions, including rising from lying to sitting, rising out of bed and walking, and in behavioural and psychiatric symptoms. Both groups of elderly had a high prevalence of sadness and fearfulness. The results of this study indicate that elderly awaiting nursing home placement can be as frail as nursing home residents. These results highlight the elderly's need for assistance and reveal the need for more nursing home beds. Nurses in home health care and nursing homes rated physical and psychological workloads similarly. As many carers provide care 24 hours a day, these results also illuminate the need to support carers during the waiting period.

  • 33. Fjelltun, Aud-Mari Sohini
    et al.
    Henriksen, Nils
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Reserch Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Gilje, Fredricka
    Normann, Hans Ketil
    Carers' experiences with overnight respitecare: a qualitative study2009In: Vård i Norden, ISSN 0107-4083, E-ISSN 1890-4238, Vol. 29, no 3, p. 23-27Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim The aim of this study was to explore experiences with overnight respite care (ORC) of Norwegian carers who provided care to frail elderly awaiting nursing home placement.

    Background In many Western countries respite care has become part of health care service provision, and various types of respite care are available. The intent with respite care can be twofold; caring for the care receiver and supporting the carer.

    Methods This was a descriptive qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 15 carers, transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis.

    Findings The carers described various experiences with ORC. If ORC supported the family unit, it was welcomed by carers and experienced as supportive. If ORC did not support the family unit, many carers rejected ORC, and it was experienced as non-supportive. Two categories were constructed: 'experiencing ORC as supportive for the family as a unit' and 'not experiencing ORC as supportive for the family as a unit'.

    Conclusion To support more carers, nurses have to listen to carers’ experiences about ORC. Nurses need to take responsibility for the family as a unit and provide more flexible ORC services based on both carers’ and elderly’s needs.

  • 34. Fjelltun, Aud-Mari Sohini
    et al.
    Henriksen, Nils
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Gilje, Fredricka
    Normann, Hans Ketil
    Nurses' and carers' appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting nursing home placement.2009In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 23, no 1, p. 57-66Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: The aim of this study is to describe carers' and nurses' appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting nursing home (NH) placement. BACKGROUND: Carers' workload of care for frail elderly awaiting NH placement has been studied separately from that of nurses' workload. The literature neither addressed a comparison of carers' and nurses' appraisals of psychological and physical workloads nor the most strenuous factors common to the workloads of both nurses and carers in care of the same elderly person. The terms 'carers' and 'nurses' in this paper refer to informal caregivers and to both enrolled nurses and Registered Nurses respectively, when no particular one is stated. METHOD: The sample comprised 11 nurses and 11 carers paired based on care provided to the same elderly person awaiting NH placement in Norway. Data collected by a workload-scale was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Data collected by individual interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Carers' and nurses' appraisals of workload were compared and contrasted and most strenuous factors described. FINDINGS: The findings show that both carers and nurses rated workload levels maximum. Carers' highest ratings concerned psychological workload, while nurses' highest ratings concerned physical workload. The workload ratings concerning elderly with advanced dementia disease were most similarly aligned. Qualitative content analysis showed three categories that describe the most strenuous factors common to the workloads of both carers and nurses. These were feeling responsible, burdened and ambivalent. CONCLUSION: This study reports carers' and nurses' appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting NH placement. The results show many similarities and some differences. These results may help guide policy development to address resource allocations to elderly care. Further research is needed to address workloads of care for elderly awaiting NH placement.

  • 35. Gilje, F
    et al.
    Talseth, A G
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Psychiatric nurses' response to suicidal psychiatric inpatients: struggling with self and sufferer.2005In: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, ISSN 1351-0126, E-ISSN 1365-2850, Vol. 12, no 5, p. 519-26Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Research on nurses' responses to suicidal patients is sparse. The purpose of this secondary analysis of qualitative data from interviews with 19 nurses employed in Norway was to describe nurses' responses to suicidal psychiatric inpatients. Thematic analyses revealed four themes: 'struggling with discernment of self and sufferer'; 'reconciling inner dialogue'; 'opening up while envisioning self from sufferer'; and 'revisioning the meaning of life revealed over time'. The main theme was 'struggling with self and sufferer'. While these findings reveal existential issues and self reflections of psychiatric nurses' struggle with the suffering of suicidal patients, they also contribute to a methodological debate. Further research is needed to examine nurses' responses to suicidal patients in various settings and to develop secondary analysis of qualitative data.

  • 36. Glasberg, Ann-Louise
    et al.
    Eriksson, Sture
    Dahlqvist, Vera
    Lindahl, Elisabeth
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Söderberg, Anna
    Sørlie, Venke
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Development and initial validation of the Stress of Conscience Questionnaire.2006In: Nursing Ethics, ISSN 0969-7330, E-ISSN 1477-0989, Vol. 13, no 6, p. 633-48Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Stress in health care is affected by moral factors. When people are prevented from doing 'good' they may feel that they have not done what they ought to or that they have erred, thus giving rise to a troubled conscience. Empirical studies show that health care personnel sometimes refer to conscience when talking about being in ethically difficult everyday care situations. This study aimed to construct and validate the Stress of Conscience Questionnaire (SCQ), a nine-item instrument for assessing stressful situations and the degree to which they trouble the conscience. The items were based on situations previously documented as causing negative stress for health care workers. Content and face validity were established by expert panels and pilot studies that selected relevant items and modified or excluded ambiguous ones. A convenience sample of 444 health care personnel indicated that the SCQ had acceptable validity and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.83 for the overall scale). Explorative factor analysis identified and labelled two factors: 'internal demands' and 'external demands and restrictions'. The findings suggest that the SCQ is a concise and practical instrument for use in various health care contexts.

  • 37. Glasberg, Ann-Louise
    et al.
    Eriksson, Sture
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Factors associated with 'stress of conscience' in healthcare.2008In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 22, no 2, p. 249-58Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: The main purpose of this study was to examine factors related to 'stress of conscience' i.e. stress related to a troubled conscience in healthcare. METHODS: A series of questionnaires was completed by 423 healthcare employees in northern Sweden as part of this cross-sectional study. The series of questionnaires comprised the 'Stress of Conscience Questionnaire', 'Perception of Conscience Questionnaire', 'Revised Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire', Social Interactions Scale, Resilience Scale and a Personal/Work Demographic form. RESULTS: Nonautomatic stepwise regression analysis with forward inclusion resulted in a model that explained approximately 39.6% of the total variation in stress of conscience. Individual items associated with stress of conscience were; perceiving that conscience warns us against hurting others while at the same time not being able to follow one's conscience at work and having to deaden one's conscience to keep working in healthcare. In addition moral sensitivity items belonging to the factor 'sense of moral burden' were; one's ability to sense patient's needs means that one is doing more than one has strength for, having difficulty to deal with feelings aroused when a patient is suffering and one's ability to sense patient's needs means feeling inadequate all added significantly to the model. In addition, deficient social support from superiors, low levels of resilience and working in internal medicine wards were all associated with stress of conscience. CONCLUSION: Healthcare employees seem to experience stress of conscience in their everyday practise. Particular contributing factors are not being able to follow one's conscience at work, and the 'negative' dimension of moral sensitivity - moral burden - which is an inability to deal with moral problems. Thus, in order for conscience and moral sensitivity to become an asset instead of a burden, healthcare employees need to be able to express their moral concerns.

  • 38. Glasberg, Ann-Louise
    et al.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Söderberg, Anna
    Sources of burnout among healthcare employees as perceived by managers.2007In: Journal of Advanced Nursing, ISSN 0309-2402, E-ISSN 1365-2648, Vol. 60, no 1, p. 10-9Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: This paper is a report of a study to investigate healthcare managers' perspectives on factors contributing to the increase of healthcare employees on sick leave for burnout symptoms. BACKGROUND: Current turbulent healthcare reorganization has resulted in structural instability, role conflicts and vague responsibility commitments, all of which contribute to increasing numbers of sick days caused by burnout symptoms. Managers' perceptions of burnout sources are important as these perceptions guide the actions taken to prevent burnout. METHOD: Interviews were carried out with 30 healthcare managers, with different occupational backgrounds and from different units. The data were collected in Sweden in 2003 and analysed using thematic qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: According to the healthcare managers, continuous reorganization and downsizing of healthcare services has reduced resources and increased demands and responsibilities. These problems are compounded by high ideals and expectations, making staff question their own abilities and worth as well as making them feel less confirmed and less valued as people. The main finding indicates that healthcare employees are thrown into a spiralling sense of inadequacy and an emerging sense of pessimism and powerlessness. CONCLUSION: To understand and influence people's actions, one has to understand their perceptions and thoughts - their explanatory models. This study shows the complexity and interconnection between sources of burnout as perceived by healthcare managers, and highlights the encouragement of realism without the destruction of enthusiasm as an important factor in management and healthcare practice.

  • 39.
    Gustafsson, Gabriella
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Eriksson, Sture
    Umeå universitet.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Reserch Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Burnout and perceptions of conscience among health care personnel: a pilot study2010In: Nursing Ethics, ISSN 0969-7330, E-ISSN 1477-0989, Vol. 17, no 1, p. 23-38Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Although organizational and situational factors have been found to predict burnout, not everyone employed at the same workplace develops it, suggesting that becoming burnt out is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon. The aim of this study was to elucidate perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience, moral sensitivity, social support and resilience among two groups of health care personnel from the same workplaces, one group on sick leave owing to medically assessed burnout (n = 20) and one group who showed no indications of burnout (n = 20). The results showed that higher levels of stress of conscience, a perception of conscience as a burden, having to deaden one's conscience in order to keep working in health care and perceiving a lack of support characterized the burnout group. Lower levels of stress of conscience, looking on life with forbearance, a perception of conscience as an asset and perceiving support from organizations and those around them (social support) characterized the non-burnout group.

  • 40. Gustafsson, Gabriella
    et al.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of palliative care research. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Meanings of becoming and being burnout--phenomenological-hermeneutic interpretation of female healthcare personnel's narratives.2008In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 22, no 4, p. 520-8Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The incidence of burnout has increased in many industrialized countries. Burnout is mainly studied among people still at work and with quantitative methods. The present study aimed to illuminate the meanings of becoming and being burnout as narrated by healthcare personnel on sick leave because of symptoms of burnout. Interviews with 20 female healthcare personnel were performed, tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim and a phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. The result shows that the meanings of becoming and being burnout are to be torn between what one wants to be and what one manages. It is as one's ideals have become more like demands and no matter the circumstances, one must be and show oneself as being capable and independent. It is also to be dissatisfied with oneself for not living up to one's ideals as well as disappointed with other people for not giving the confirmation one strives for. Feelings of being a victim of circumstances emerge. Thus, becoming and being burnout is leading a futile struggle to live up to one's ideal, failing to unite one's ideal picture with one's reality and experiencing an overwhelming feebleness. This is interpreted in the light of Buber's philosophy as well as relevant empirical studies about burnout. One conclusion is that it seems important to reflect on as well as discuss between one another about our everyday reality; what are reasonable vs. unreasonable demands. Hopefully, such reflections will increase our tolerance of ourselves and others and our insightfulness of what is possible to achieve in work as well as in private life. This study is ethically approved.

  • 41.
    Gustafsson, Gabriella
    et al.
    Umeå universitet.
    Persson, Birgitta
    Umeå universitet.
    Eriksson, Sture
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Reserch Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå universitet.
    Personality traits among burnt out and non-burnt out health-care personnel at the same workplaces: a pilot study2009In: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, ISSN 1445-8330, E-ISSN 1447-0349, Vol. 18, no 5, p. 336-348Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Stress-related illnesses, such as burnout, have increased over the last decade, but not everyone at the same workplace develops burnout, suggesting that individual factors may contribute to this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to describe patterns of personality traits among two groups of health-care personnel from the same workplaces, one group on sick leave due to medically-assessed burnout, and one group with no indication of burnout, respectively. Fourteen psychiatric- (n = 7) and elderly (n = 7)-care units, located in one specific area in a municipality in northern Sweden, participated in this questionnaire-based study. The participants (n = 40), on sick leave due to medically-assessed burnout (n = 20), and those with no indication of burnout (n = 20), respectively, completed Cattell's 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire between February and December 2004. Conventional statistical methods and partial least square regression were used to analyze data. The results showed that the burnout group had lower scores regarding emotional stability and higher scores regarding anxiety than the non-burnout group, but the results also showed a wide variation of personality traits within groups. The most important indicators for belonging to the burnout group were 'openness to changes' and 'anxiety', and for belonging to the non-burnout group, 'emotional stability', 'liveliness', 'privateness' (i.e. forthright or discreet), and 'tension'. The result indicates complex interactions between personality traits and the context in which the individual lives. It seems to be important to increase our awareness of when personality traits may constitute opportunities versus risks in dealing with one's existing circumstances.

  • 42.
    Hedman, Ragnhild
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences. Karolinska institutet.
    Hansebo, Görel
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences. Karolinska institutet.
    Ternestedt, Britt-Marie
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Karolinska institutet.
    Hellström, Ingrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Linköpings universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Expressed Sense of Self by People With Alzheimer’s Disease in a Support Group Interpreted in Terms of Agency and Communion2016In: Journal of Applied Gerontology, ISSN 0733-4648, Vol. 35, no 4, p. 421-443Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The self is constructed in cooperation with other people and social context influences how people perceive and express it. People with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) often receive insufficient support in constructing their preferred selves, but little is known about how they express themselves together with other people with AD. In accordance with Harré’s social constructionist theory of self, this study aimed to describe how five people with mild and moderate AD express their Self 2 (i.e., their personal attributes and life histories) in a support group with a facilitator experienced in communicating with people with AD. The participants’ expressions of their Self 2 were analyzed with qualitative abductive content analysis and interpreted in terms of agency and communion and a lack of agency and communion. The findings highlight the importance of supporting a sense of agency and communion when assisting people with AD in constructing their self.

  • 43.
    Hedman, Ragnhild
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences. Ersta Sköndal University College, Enheten för forskning i palliativ vård.
    Hansebo, Görel
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences.
    Ternestedt, Britt-Marie
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Enheten för forskning i palliativ vård.
    Hellström, Ingrid
    Linköpings universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Enheten för forskning i palliativ vård.
    How people with Alzheimer's disease express their sense of self: Analysis using Rom Harré's theory of selfhood2013In: Dementia, ISSN 1471-3012, E-ISSN 1741-2684, Vol. 12, no 6, p. 713-733Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this study was to use Harré’s social constructionist theory of selfhood to describe how people with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) express their sense of self. The findings show that Self 1, the embodied sense of being a person, was expressed fluently by participants through the use of first-person indexicals. Self 2, the experienced personal attributes and life narrative, had undergone changes. Those changes were not entirely for the worse; participants had also developed new skills in managing life with AD. In a lifetime perspective, those changes were minor and participants perceived themselves to be basically the same people that they were before having AD. When constructing Self 3, the social personae, participants usually described being supported by others, but sometimes described being exposed to malignant positioning. They also feared that they might become more exposed to negative attitudes as their AD progressed. However, participants were understanding towards the offensive behaviours of others.

  • 44.
    Hedman, Ragnhild
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences. Karolinska Institutet.
    Hellström, Ingrid
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Linköpings universitet.
    Ternestedt, Britt-Marie
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Karolinska institutet.
    Hansebo, Görel
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences. Karolinska institutet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Sense of Self in Alzheimer’s Research Participants2018In: Clinical Nursing Research, ISSN 1054-7738, E-ISSN 1552-3799, Vol. 27, no 2, p. 191-212Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The sense of self is vulnerable in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and might be positively and negatively influenced by research participation. The purpose of this study was to describe how people with AD express their experience of being a research participant with respect to their sense of self. Interviews and support group conversations involving 13 people with mild and moderate AD were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three themes were constructed: contributing to an important cause, gaining from participating, and experiencing risks and drawbacks. Participants described contributing to research as being in line with their lifelong values and lifestyles. They expressed contentment and pride about being research participants, emphasized their positive relationships with the researchers, and described participation as a meaningful activity. When research procedures threatened their sense of self, they were able to reason about risks and decline participation.

  • 45.
    Hedman, Ragnhild
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences. Karolinska Institutet.
    Hellström, Ingrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Linköpings universitet.
    Ternestedt, Britt-Marie
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Karolinska Institutet.
    Hansebo, Görel
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Department of Health Care Sciences. Karolinska Institutet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal University College, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Social positioning by people with Alzheimer's disease in a support group2014In: Journal of Aging Studies, ISSN 0890-4065, E-ISSN 1879-193X, Vol. 28, p. 11-21Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 46.
    Hedman, Ragnhild
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Hellström, Ingrid
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Linköpings universitet.
    Agency and communion in people with Alzheimer's disease, as described by themselves and their spousal carers.2019In: Dementia, ISSN 1471-3012, E-ISSN 1741-2684, Vol. 18, no 4, p. 1354-1372, article id 1471301217706268Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Agency (individuality) and communion (togetherness) are vital to a positive sense of self. People with Alzheimer's disease are at risk of experiencing diminished agency and decreased communion. Their family members', especially their partner's, view on their agency and communion is also likely to influence their sense of agency, communion, and self. In the present study, individual interviews with 10 people with Alzheimer's disease and their spousal carers were qualitatively analysed to describe how in each couple the two spouses viewed the agency and communion of the person with Alzheimer's disease from an individual perspective. The findings show that the carers generally described the agency of the person with Alzheimer's disease as slightly weaker compared with the persons with Alzheimer's disease themselves. The carers also appeared to have poor knowledge of what supported and threatened the sense of communion of the person with Alzheimer's disease.

  • 47.
    Hellzen, Ove
    et al.
    Mitthögskolan.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    Mitthögskolan.
    Sandman, Per-Olof
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    The meaning of caring as described by nurses caring for a person who acts provokingly: an interview study.2004In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 18, no 1, p. 3-11Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Nurses working with people with learning disabilities are sometimes exposed to provoking behaviour such as unpredictable and violent actions, spitting and sexual harassment. Eight nurses at a group dwelling in Sweden were interviewed about their experiences when caring for a person who acts provokingly. Narrative interviews were conducted and interpreted using a method inspired by Ricoeur. Three themes were formulated which describe nurses' feelings of being tormented, disrupted and helpless. Nurses describe themselves as being deeply humiliated by physical violence, spittle, sexual invective and actions on the part of the patient. They respond more to being spat on and the sexual invective than to the patient's physical violence. The frequent humiliations could be seen as a symbolic language connected to defilement and 'evil' and therefore as having a deep symbolic meaning for the nurses. These results were interpreted and reflected on in the light of a theoretical framework from an affliction perspective in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the text. This paper shows that an affliction perspective is important when searching for the meaning of caring for a patient who acts provokingly. The study indicates that the goal in a provoking care situation must be to see the provoking patient, as he appears to the nurses in order to glimpse the goodness concealed behind the provoking facade.

  • 48.
    Hellzén, Ove
    et al.
    Mittuniversitetet & Umeå universitet.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    Mittuniversitetet & University of Tromsø, Norway.
    Gilje, Fredricka
    Umeå universitet & University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
    Sandman, Per-Olof
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    From optimism to pessimism: A case study of a psychiatric patient1998In: Journal of Clinical Nursing, ISSN 0962-1067, E-ISSN 1365-2702, Vol. 7, no 4, p. 360-370Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This article focuses on the results of a single case study which illuminates an understanding of phases in nursing care for a patient in a psychiatric setting in Sweden. The focus of this study is a fifty year old man who showed progressive deterioration from increased motor activity to oral, sexual, destructive and aggressive actions. The data collection using five methods occurred during a 21 months period. Results of the content analyses processes identified four distinct but indiscreet phases of the patient’s complex condition. The medical and nursing care was categorised in three approaches: optimistic, strategic and resigned. The results raise the question whether there is action that is without any meaning as an expression of the patient´s wishes, thoughts and feelings. It seems clear that the patient in this study felt really angry and in despair. However, during moments of lucidity, he also indicated that he felt this was not an authentic expression of his "real" self. His experience was that of a splintered world.

  • 49.
    Hellzén, Ove
    et al.
    Mittuniversitetet, Institutionen för hälsovetenskap.
    Asplund, Kenneth
    Mittuniversitetet, Institutionen för hälsovetenskap.
    Sandman, Per-Olof
    Umeå universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå universitet.
    Unwillingness to be violated: Carers' experiences of caring for a person acting in a disturbing manner. An interview study1999In: Journal of Clinical Nursing, ISSN 0962-1067, E-ISSN 1365-2702, Vol. 8, no 6, p. 653-662Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Carers working in psychiatric care are sometimes exposed to insane, unpredictable and violent actions. In rare cases a patient appears to be resistant to all forms of pharmacological treatment. · Fifteen carers (4 RNs, 11 ENs) on a psychiatric ward in Sweden were interviewed about their experiences when caring for a person who acted in a disturbing manner. Narrative interviews were conducted and interpreted using a method inspired by Ricoeur. · Four themes were formulated which describe the carers’ uncertainty about the future, their inability to interpret the patient’s disturbing behaviour and their own overall feeling of meaninglessness. · Carers believed that the patient had power and ruled the ward, which led to them feeling they were subjugated victims. Interviews also revealed the carers’ recognition of forbidden feelings and actions and own unknown negative sides. · These results were interpreted and reflected on in the light of an ethical framework in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the text. · This paper shows that an ethical perspective is important when searching for the meaning of caring for patients acting in a disturbing manner. The study raises the question: ‘Is it possible to establish good when evil has dominion?

  • 50.
    Holmberg, Bodil
    et al.
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    Hellström, Ingrid
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Linköpings universitet.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC. Umeå universitet.
    Österlind, Jane
    Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, PRC.
    Assenting to exposedness: meanings of receiving assisted bodily care in a nursing home as narrated by older persons.2019In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 33, no 4, p. 868-877Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Most older persons moving to a nursing home need to receive assisted bodily care, which means being in a position of vulnerability. However, few studies have explicitly focused on the meanings of receiving assisted bodily care from the older persons' perspective. This study aimed to elucidate meanings of receiving assisted bodily care, as narrated by older persons living in a nursing home. Twelve men and women, aged 80 or older, living in a Swedish nursing home, participated in the study. Data were generated by narrative interviews and analysed with a phenomenological-hermeneutical method. The regional ethics committee approved the study. In the analysis, one main theme emerged: 'Assenting to exposedness'. This theme comprised five themes, 'To have hope in hopelessness', 'To relinquish one's body into others' hands', 'To be between power and powerlessness', 'To oscillate between one's own responsibility and demands', 'To be in an ongoing interaction', and ten subthemes. In conclusion, receiving assisted bodily care means to be exposed, but not passively. Rather, it means to be self-determinant for as long as possible, to perceive the body as lived. When the body must be relinquished to others, it might be objectified, leading to care-suffering. To avoid this, the older persons use a certain competence, acquired through life, to decide when to take action or when to assent. However, this is but one of the several possible interpretations, which may be considered a limitation.

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