Exploring Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology: a perfect fit for midwifery research
- Authors: Miles, Maureen , Chapman, Ysanne , Francis, Karen , Taylor, Beverley
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Women and Birth Vol. 26, no. 4 (2013), p. 273-276
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- Description: Background Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology has been used widely to understand the meaning of lived experiences in health research. For midwifery scholars this approach enables deep understanding of women's and midwives’ lived experiences of specific phenomena. However, for beginning researchers this is not a methodology for the faint hearted. It requires a period of deep immersion to come to terms with at times impenetrable language and perplexing concepts. Objectives This paper aims to assist midwives to untangle and examine some of the choices they face when they first come to terms with an understanding of this methodology and highlights the methodology's capacity to reveal midwifery authenticity and holistic practice. Discussion The illumination of a selection of various concepts underpinning hermeneutic phenomenology will inform midwives considering this methodology as suitable framework for exploring contemporary midwifery phenomena.
Hermeneutic phenomenology: a methodology of choice for midwives
- Authors: Miles, Maureen , Francis, Karen , Chapman, Ysanne , Taylor, Beverley
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International journal of nursing practice Vol. 19, no. 4 (2013), p. 409-414
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- Description: Hermeneutic phenomenology has been used widely by researchers to understand lived experiences. This methodology asserts that individual people are as unique as their life stories. The practice of midwifery is underpinned by a philosophy that values women and the uniqueness of their child-bearing journey. The tenets of hermeneutics phenomenology align with those of contemporary midwifery practice, making it a useful research methodology for providing insights into issues relevant to the profession. The purpose of this paper is to unravel some foundational concepts of hermeneutic phenomenology and recommend it as a methodology of choice for midwives to apply to their application to midwifery-in-action.
Making a difference: the experiences of midwives working with women who use illicit drugs
- Authors: Miles, Maureen , Chapman, Ysanne , Francis, Karen
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Childbirth Vol. 2, no. 4 (2012), p. 245-254
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- Description: AIM: This article describes the experiences of midwives who choose to work with pregnant women who use illicit drugs. BACKGROUND: Pregnant women who use illicit drugs present complex challenges for those who choose to work with them. Society's views on illicit drug use fluctuate from acceptance and harm minimization to reprimand and retribution. METHOD: Qualitative interviews were conducted between June and August 2009 with 12 Australian midwives. A thematic analysis method informed by hermeneutic phenomenology was applied to interpret this data to explicate lived experiences and gain deeper understanding and meanings of this phenomenon. FINDINGS: Three major themes encapsulated the experience: making a difference, making partnerships, and learning to let go. The focus of this article, “making a difference,” included two subthemes of “working on the margins” and “transition and transformation.” The midwives were both rewarded and challenged by the needs of women who use illicit drugs and by the systems in which they worked. CONCLUSIONS: The midwives acknowledged that their aspirations “to make a difference” was not always sufficient when working with women who use illicit drugs. They also require the establishment of maternity services that are compassionate and accessible, including woman–care provider partnerships and continuity of the care environments.
Researching with people you know
- Authors: McConnell-Henry, Tracy , James, Ainsley , Francis, Karen , Chapman, Ysanne
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary nurse : a journal for the Australian nursing profession Vol. 34, no. 1 (2009), p.
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- Description: Interviewing is a key strategy used to elicit data in qualitative research. Whilst many nurse researchers are cognizant of the skills required to conduct a successful research interview, researchers may be less comfortable with the notion of interviewing a participant with whom the researcher claims a pre-existing, or dual relationship; a phenomenon becoming more apparent as the volume of researchers escalates especially in rural settings or smaller, heavily specialized fields. Issues pertaining to this particular situation are analyzed, debated and discussed. Furthermore tactics designed to enhance the research process whilst upholding the well-being of the researcher will be illustrated and elucidated.
The decision-making processes adopted by rurally located mandated professionals when child abuse or neglect is suspected
- Authors: Francis, Karen , Chapman, Ysanne , Sellick, Kenneth , James, Ainsley , Miles, Maureen , Jones, Janet , Grant, Julie
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Contemporary Nurse Vol. 41, no. 1 (2012), p. 58-69
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- Description: The reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect is a mandated role of medical doctors, nurses, police and teachers in Victoria, Australia. This paper reports on a research study that sought to explicate how mandated professionals working in rural Victorian contexts identify a child/ren at risk and the decisions they make subsequently.
Challenges for midwives : pregnant women and illicit drug use
- Authors: Miles, Maureen , Francis, Karen , Chapman, Ysanne
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Australian journal of advanced nursing : a quarterly publication of the Royal Australian Nursing Federation Vol. 28, no. 1 (2010 2010), p. 83-89
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- Description: Objective The purpose of the paper is to introduce illicit drug use as a societal problem and describes the response of the Australian Government. Specifically the paper examines the use of illicit drugs by pregnant women and the role of midwives in supporting these women throughout pregnancy and birth. Setting Maternity services, specifically antenatal care clinics. Conclusion In Australia the rate of pregnant women who use illicit drugs is escalating. These pregnancies are high obstetric risk with potential for harm to both the mother and the baby. Pregnancy however is seen as 'window of opportunity'; a time to provide education, choices and support. The literature describes that for health professionals working with pregnant women who are illicit drug users is challenging and for some health professionals their interaction can be negative. Australia advocates harm minimisation and encourages harm reduction strategies. Midwives are in a position to implement these strategies within the maternity setting. Further research is recommended as well as professional development programs for midwives to upgrade knowledge and cultivate engagement skills to enable appropriate and positive interaction with pregnant women who use illicit drugs.
Supporting the evolution of a research culture among nurses in Malaysia
- Authors: Birks, Melanie , Francis, Karen , Chapman, Ysanne , Mills, Jane , Porter, Joanne
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Australian journal of advanced nursing Vol. 27, no. 1 (2009), p. 89-93
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- Description: This paper describes a project to promote a research culture amongst nurses in Malaysia. The project, funded by the Australian Government’s Australia Malaysia Institute, and implemented by a group of Australian nurse academics, provided a rare professional development opportunity to nurses in urban and remote areas of Malaysia