Sheltering under a shield of love-A phenomenological-hermeneutic study of relatives' experiences in an acute neurological ward

• Main Authors: Lærke Toft Hesselvig (Author), Malene Beck (Author), Charlotte Simony (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wiley, 2020-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2054-1058; 10.1002/nop2.481
• Keywords: acute neurology; lived experience; loved ones; nursing; nursing care; phenomenological-hermeneutic research; Nursing; RT1-120
• Source: Nursing Open, Vol 7, Iss 4, Pp 1093-1100 (2020)

Abstract Aim To investigate the lived experience of being a relative to a patient admitted to an acute neurological ward to bring knowledge of what is essential to them. Design The study takes a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Methods Data were gathered through six individual semi‐structured interviews with relatives from an acute neurological ward. A three‐levelled analysis and interpretation inspired by Paul Ricoeur's philosophy was applied. Results Two main themes were identified: To make yourself strong while feeling vulnerable inside and To live in a changed everyday life. Within these themes, the connection between the relatives and the patients appeared to be a relationship of love. In this relationship, the relatives experience existential vulnerability. The lives of relatives undergo a difficult upheaval, which is challenged by deep emotional feelings. However, to be able to be there for their loved ones they are sheltering under a shield of love.