Anne M Williams1, Vera F Irurita. 1. National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia. Anne.M.Williams@health.wa.gov.au
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Comfort is a word that is frequently used to describe both physical and emotional aspects of the hospital experience. A number of definitions exist in the literature and there is a lack of clarity in understanding this concept. OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the therapeutic context of emotional comfort that was identified in a qualitative study that sought to explain the perceived therapeutic effect of interpersonal interactions that were experienced by patients during hospitalisation. DESIGN: Grounded theory. SETTINGS: Public and private hospitals situated in Perth, Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 40 patient participants from a variety of settings, and 32 nurse participants. All participants were over the age of 18 and spoke English. METHODS: Formal and informal interviews, field observations. RESULTS: Patients interpreted the interpersonal interactions that they experienced during hospitalisation in terms of their experience of emotional comfort or discomfort. A central feature of emotional comfort was the patient's perception of personal control. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a greater understanding of the concept of comfort from the perspective of hospitalised patients. It highlights that patients approach their illnesses or injuries perceiving that a connection exists between the mind and the body.
BACKGROUND: Comfort is a word that is frequently used to describe both physical and emotional aspects of the hospital experience. A number of definitions exist in the literature and there is a lack of clarity in understanding this concept. OBJECTIVES: This paper describes the therapeutic context of emotional comfort that was identified in a qualitative study that sought to explain the perceived therapeutic effect of interpersonal interactions that were experienced by patients during hospitalisation. DESIGN: Grounded theory. SETTINGS: Public and private hospitals situated in Perth, Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 40 patientparticipants from a variety of settings, and 32 nurse participants. All participants were over the age of 18 and spoke English. METHODS: Formal and informal interviews, field observations. RESULTS:Patients interpreted the interpersonal interactions that they experienced during hospitalisation in terms of their experience of emotional comfort or discomfort. A central feature of emotional comfort was the patient's perception of personal control. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a greater understanding of the concept of comfort from the perspective of hospitalised patients. It highlights that patients approach their illnesses or injuries perceiving that a connection exists between the mind and the body.
Authors: Camie A Tomlinson; Sarah K Pittman; Jennifer L Murphy; Angela Matijczak; Shelby E McDonald Journal: Anthrozoos Date: 2021-08-26 Impact factor: 1.689