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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Visions Of Living With Parkinson’S Disease: A Photovoice Study, Melinda Hermanns, Denice B. Greer, Cheryl Cooper May 2016

Visions Of Living With Parkinson’S Disease: A Photovoice Study, Melinda Hermanns, Denice B. Greer, Cheryl Cooper

Melinda Hermanns, PhD, RN, BC, CNE, PN/FCN

The purpose of this study was to explore the illness experience of persons living with Parkinson’s disease. Using the visual elicitation method, Photovoice, we asked participants to take a series of photographs that for them, represented the everyday challenges related to the disease. The photos served as starting and reference points for the individual narratives provided by each participant as they engaged in a follow-up dialogical interview with the researcher. Using thematic analysis of the interview data, the research team, together with the participants, identified one overarching theme, “staying determined,” and five sub-themes “staying active,” “finding purpose and meaning,” “finding …


One Step At A Time: A Journey Of Hope, Inspiration, And Determination, Melinda Hermanns, Barbara K. Haas May 2016

One Step At A Time: A Journey Of Hope, Inspiration, And Determination, Melinda Hermanns, Barbara K. Haas

Melinda Hermanns, PhD, RN, BC, CNE, PN/FCN

Approximately three million persons in the United States face the challenge of living with Parkinson's Disease (PD). In spite of medical and surgical interventions, the disease progresses, resulting in bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability that impair functional ability and quality of life. The purpose of this case study is to illuminate the impact an exercise program may have on an individual with PD. A single case study design was used to explore the effect of exercise on the quality of life of a 73-year old gentleman with advanced PD. Interviews and field observations of the client, wife, and staff at …


Caregiving: A Qualitative Concept Analysis , Melinda Hermanns, Beth Mastel-Smith May 2016

Caregiving: A Qualitative Concept Analysis , Melinda Hermanns, Beth Mastel-Smith

Melinda Hermanns, PhD, RN, BC, CNE, PN/FCN

A common definition of caregiving does not exist. In an attempt to define the concept of caregiving, the authors used a hybrid qualitative model of concept development to analyze caregiving. The model consists of three phases: (a) theoretical, (b) fieldwork, and (c) analytical. The theoretical phase involves conducting an interdisciplinary literature search, examining existing definitions, and developing a working definition of caregiving. In the fieldwork phase, six participants were interviewed using a structured interview guide. Qualitative data analysis led to the development of two overarching themes: Holistic Care and Someone in Need of Help. Responses from participants were compared to …