A biannual publication of the
School of Nursing and Health Care Practices,
Southern Cross University,
in association with the
Australian College of Holistic Nurses Inc.
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A biannual publication of the School of Nursing and Health Care Practices, Southern Cross University, in association with the Australian College of Holistic Nurses Inc. |
|
12(1) Editorial
Bev Taylor
On the gift of presence
Bev reminds us of the reciprocal nature of genuinely ‘being there’ in heart and body for others, and of the abundant healing for all concerned that can result from heartfelt interactions..
Excerpt:
Welcome to this edition of AJoHN. We are proud to bring to you refereed and selected writing from many authors, who all share a common feature – their human presence in their work …
Why is presence a gift? I have referred often to presence as though it is a treat or prize you can give to another person, because, in effect, you can ‘be there’ in a role, but be absent in the true sense of presencing. Being geographically near does not give presence. Presence is given as a gift when we so attune to the proximity and needs of another human being, that we give that person our full attention and respect, even if only for a split second as we pass by in the street, or stop from our busyness to be more fully available to them …
12(1): 4-10 Feature Article
The phenomenon of presence within contemporary nursing practice: A literature review
Di Welch RN, BAppSci(Nursing), MHlthSci(Research).
Sally Wellard RN, BA(SocSci), Post-Basic Renal Cert, MN, PhD.Di and Sally have explored the literature to assist us in establishing a personal understanding of presence and the definitive role it plays in our practice.
Abstract: Nursing practice underpinned by humanistic values may promote presence experiences within nurse–patient interactions. These interactions are powerful and beneficial both to nurse and patient. However, the phenomenon of presence is surrounded by competing and confused definitions. Whilst presence is arguably a core aspect of nursing practice, current health care environments significantly influence nurses’ opportunities to experience presence.
Key words: Presence, Intersubjectivity, Nursing practice, Positive outcomes, Devaluation.
12(1): 11-20 Feature Article
Factors shaping Indigenous mental health: An ethnographic account of growing up Koori from a Gubba perspective
Tony O’Brien RN (RGN, RPN), BA, MEd.Stud, PhD
Indigenous Australians reveal deep insights as they talk about their perceptions of mental health in relation to their personal identification as Aboriginal.
Abstract: This paper presents selected themes derived from stories provided by Aboriginal youth and adult community members during a doctoral research study. The study was conducted in an Aboriginal community in NSW, Australia. The ethnographic research was titled ‘The development of mental health in Koori adolescents: Stories and memories from their youth’.
The themes emerged from the data and provide a deeper insight into the notion of mental health from the perspective of the Aboriginal people in this study.
11(2): 4-11
Feature Article
Carers’ perceptions of pain in people with dementia: A grounded theory approach
Falls D (RN), Stevens J (RN, PhD),
Andersen M (RN), Collin S (RN), Dodd N (RN), Fitzgerald E (RN), Mitchell G (RN), Sheriden J (RN), Ramsay. A (RN), Weaver A (RN), Wilson V (RN).
Formal and informal carers reveal the important role played by intimate knowledge developed from close and ongoing contact.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to add to the limited understanding about the perception and observation of pain by the formal and informal carers of people with dementia. Thirty-one carers were interviewed to talk about how they know when their person with dementia has pain. The findings from this Grounded Theory based project showed that there is no one set of signs or behaviours that indicate pain in all people with dementia. However, there appeared to be a common pain assessment process amongst the carers. This process involved being able to detect deviation from normal behaviours based upon their intimate knowledge of what is normal for their person with dementia. A central hypothesis was thus generated from the data that considered that effective pain assessment for people with dementia is dependent on carers having an intimate knowledge of the individual’s normal state of being with dementia. Implications for nursing practice in caring for people with dementia are discussed.
11(2): 12-20
Feature Article
Critical illness – a lived reality for patients and their families
Jan Foster BSocSc; MSW.
Jan’s case study provides an intimate insight ‘…when the cancer is rare, away from the well-worn path, all are floundering in a sea of uncertainty…’
Abstract: This case study tells of one family’s experience surrounding the diagnosis of rare cancer, where both the medical system and family struggle with a critical, largely unknown illness. The experience was complicated by communication issues between the medical profession and family, support from counselling services, and lack of information – compounded by a health system concentrated in metropolitan areas.
11(2): 20
Book review:
By Dr Stephen Kermode, RN, BA, MHPEd, PhD
Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice, 4th edition
Authors: Dossey B, Keegan L, Guzzetta C
ISBN 0-7637-3183-8
RRP $108.90
Published May, 2004
Publisher Jones & Bartlett
Excerpt: This is a weighty tome (almost 900 pages of text) which covers the field of Holistic Nursing in great detail. It is an essential text for nurses who are committed to this type of approach.
Much of what it presents is already well recognised by nurses who work and study in this field, with its focus on inter and intra-personal aspects of health and healing. Parts of it are, unfortunately, quite conservative and quite limited for a book purporting to embody ‘holistic’ philosophy.
11(2): 43
Poem by Jennifer Joy
I understand that you are busy, but…
I am dying.
Yes I know that it’s true.
It may today, or tomorrow, or in a week or two.
And it will be soon. Not long to go.
But I am still alive, and I hurt, and I feel,
And I need your compassion.
The time I have left is the rest of my life
And though it’s not much, it’s all that I have.
This is not easy for me.
I need human contact.
Touch my hand, stroke my brow,
Or just a smile in my direction when you walk past.
I don’t need much,
But I do need.
I do what I can not to be a burden
And if I could I wouldn’t cause you extra work,
But the body is failing, I no longer have control,
And that worries me more.
Please try to see beyond and think of me as alive.
I know I won’t get better, but I’m not dead yet.
Help me live the rest of my life feeling like a living person
Rather than a breathing corpse
Taking up space.
In memory of the lonely old man in the corner bed who had lived an amazing life, but nobody else knew about it because they were too busy to talk
Jennifer Joy, 2003
11(1):16-24 Feature Article
Hope: Metaphorically speaking
de Sales Turner, RN, Ba, BEd, MN, PhD, FRCNA
Professor Helen Cox RN, DipEd, BAppSci, MNS, PhD. FRCNA
de Sales and Helen found that photographs, taken by the participants themselves, became a catalysis that enabled a full and deep expression of innermost thoughts on the theme ‘hope’.
Abstract: In a recent Gadamerian hermeneutic study, photography and in-depth interviews were used as key methods to explicate the phenomenon of hope. Whilst using photography within qualitative research has become increasingly popular over the last decade, little has been written about how to introduce photographs as conversation enhancers or how photographs have the capacity to unleash both conceptual and linguistic metaphors. This article gives insights into the experience of using photographs to illuminate the phenomenon of hope and identifies metaphors that were revealed through the participants’ photographs.
Key words: Hope, Phenomenon, Phenomenology, Gadamer, Hermeneutics, Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenology, Photography, Photographs, Metaphor, Metaphors.
Introduction
This paper reports the experience of using photography and in-depth interviews as the main data collection methods for a recent study that explored the phenomenon of hope, from the perspective of 10 Australian youth (Turner 2003). From the outset of this Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological study, it was believed that it may be difficult for the participants to articulate their ideas about hope, an idea that was reinforced through the literature, most notably by Hall (1990: 179), who indicated that hope is ‘…so integral to humanness it is difficult to describe in words’. Therefore, this study used photography, as well as openly dialogical in-depth interviews, as a means of prompting the participants’ revelations about hope
11(1): 37-44 Occasional Article
Implementing reflexology into midwifery practice
Lyndall Mollart RN, RM, CHFHC, BHScNurs, GradDipMid, DipReflexology
Lyndall’s study adds to the body of literature on midwives observations and perceptions of a complementary therapy such as reflexology and its integration into clinical practice.
Abstract\: This paper reports on a small quantitative study of midwives who had undertaken a midwifery reflexology course in NSW, Australia. In particular, it examines some of the barriers and influences which affect implementing knowledge into practice.
Introduction
Midwifery embraces the wellness model of caring by providing care and support of women during the normal progression of pregnancy and childbirth. However sometimes the physical discomforts of pregnant can interfere with the joy of this profound life experience. In the majority of cases women are unable to take medications during pregnancy, so many midwives endeavour to decrease the symptoms for these women by incorporating complementary therapies such as reflexology within their holistic model of midwifery care.
Many midwives are excited and enthusiastic in learning reflexology. But what happens after they have completed a reflexology course? Do they use reflexology within their holistic care of midwifery? Or does the pressure of work limit their usage of reflexology? What factors influence their use of reflexology at work?
10(2): 5-10
REFEREED FEATURE ARTICLEPam McGrath BSocWk, MA, PhD
Nicole Huff B SocSc (Child Life)Including the fathers’ perspective in holistic care. Part 2:
Findings on the fathers’ hospital experience including restraining the child-patient for treatmentPam and Nicole make down to earth recommendations regarding identified issues which need to be addressed to assist fathers as they care for their children with ALL.
Abstract: Part 2 of this discussion provides a detailed examination of specific issues associated with the fathers’ personal involvement in their child’s hospital treatment for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). In particular, fathers testify to the difficulties they encounter when involved with the restraining of their child-patient for treatment. Issues raised by parents during this study have been addressed by recommendations detailing factors which need to be considered when providing holistic care for the family and the child with leukaemia.
Key Words: Fathers, Holistic, Psychosocial, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), Restraint.
10(2): 11-18
REFEREED FEATURE ARTICLE‘It’s just the way I am’: Life with schizophrenia
Debbie Kralik MN; PhD; RN; MRCNA; Tina Koch PhD; RN
We are given an illuminating insight to the realities of a life dominated by the direct and indirect consequences of schizophrenia within a segmented bio-medical framework of care.
Abstract: In this paper we focus on data generated from an in-depth interview with one participant of a larger study, and his voice in the participatory action research groups with other residents of a Supported Residential Facility. Bill describes what life is like when living with schizophrenia, being on anti-psychotic drugs and residing in boarding house accommodation. The aim of telling Bill’s story is to reveal the burden of living with this mental illness and how it shapes every aspect of his world. We note that his physical health is neglected, and we conclude that residents such as Bill need assistance in health promotion, social engagement and navigating community and acute health services. Bill’s story may contribute to sensitising health care professionals toward provision of holistic care and promote collaborative approaches focused toward addressing the needs identified for residents of boarding houses.
The complete report and the information resource developed from this project can be accessed on http://www.rdns.net.au/research_publications or by contacting the authors.
Keywords: Schizophrenia, Incontinence, Anti-psychotic medications, Quality of life, Experiences
10(1): 4-12
Refereed Feature ArticleIncluding the fathers' perspective in holistic care. Part 1: Findings on the fathers' experience with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Pam McGrath BSocWk, MA, PhD
Nicole Huff B SocSc (Child Life)
Pam and Nicole provide insights and recommendations to help integrate fathers into our holistic practice as we work with children with cancer.
Abstract: There is scant work completed on the fathers' experience with the treatment for childhood cancer. The present discussion seeks to make a contribution to deepening our holistic understanding of paediatric treatment for leukaemia by presenting findings on the paternal involvement in, and experience of, treatment for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The understanding will be extended in Part 2 by a detailed examination of specific issues associated with the fathers' hospital experience and in particular, the difficulties they face with restraining their child-patient for treatment.
Keywords: Fathers; Holistic; Psychosocial; Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia; Restraint.
10(1): 50-55
Non-Refereed Occasional ArticleJourney to the Other Side
Jan Barling RN DipAppSc BA MN MRCNA FANZCMHN.
Anthony’s mother, herself a nurse, re-evaluates ‘care’ as her vulnerable family journeys at the mercy of the health care system.
Abstract: This paper attempts to provide a snapshot of the feelings and experience of a mother’s journey after her son is diagnosed with cancer. It is hoped that those who choose to read this paper may develop some understanding of the feelings experienced during this frightening journey, and that this understanding may influence the care you give now and in the future.
Selected quotes and poetry written by Anthony Barling, in 2001 appear in italics throughout this article.
9(2): 50-51
Personal & Poetic
…and the nurses offered to stay on for free
Sandi Grieve
Click Here to Read this Inspiring Article in Full
Walwa hospital recently faced closure, and the nurses offered to stay on for free to provide palliative care for one of the patients so she wouldn't have to be moved (Julie McCrossin, 2002)
Sandi Grieve is the Director of Nursing at Walwa Bush Hospital, and in this edited transcript from ABC Radio National’s Life Matters, she kindly shares her perceptions of nursing within this inspirational hospital.
When I first began working in a tiny country hospital, I felt it was a step backward. There was no amazing technology, only one full time doctor, and only one nurse on duty each shift. I cringed at how it was possible to adequately care for people under such primitive conditions. 12 years later, I have had the privilege of nursing many community members as they recovered from illness, or as they died, I can passionately say, the care offered in our tiny hospital is exemplary. I now know what is possible, that what we were taught as students is not idealistic, that given the correct environment and circumstance, absolute patient care, with an emphasis on what is important to the patient, not just what will save lives, is entirely possible.
1(1): 43-46
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper
Myra Sessions
Healing Guidance: A nursing practice
Nurse healers offer an alternative for clients needing healing rather than just curing
Abstract Nurse healers provide care for their clients in an environment and culture which views the practices of nurses as insignificant and often menial. While the nursing profession has tried to gain recognition by emulating the medical model, nurse healers have chosen to become participants in their clients’ journey to healing. The re-valuing of their healing care – ‘the care that sustains us rather than the technology that maintains us’ – will require a change of culture and consciousness.
2(1): 25-30
Refereed Feature Article
Joan O'Connor
Ethical Decision-making in Holistic Nursing Practice: ...and the patient's right to refuse treatment
A hypothetical case study is the basis for a detailed examination of this contentious issue
Abstract The increasing use of sophisticated medical technology is cited within the literature as the major reason why professional nurses need to be aware of ethical theory and problem-solving techniques in order to resolve the growing number of moral dilemmas such as the one described in the accompanying case study. In relation to the case study, this paper discusses the patient’s right to refuse treatment and describes the ways in which rights and duties should be applied in professional holistic nursing practice. The paper suggests that resolution of these moral problems can only be made on the basis of a valid ethical theory, using sound moral principles to act as guidelines in identifying morally acceptable actions, and emphasises the need for nurses to recognise the patient’s spiritual and emotional needs when determining appropriate holistic care for the terminally ill.
3(1): 41-44
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper
Lore Teicher
Nursing the Human: Not the Machine.
A look at the philosophy of holism and alternative therapies.
Abstract Alternative medicine had been practised for many thousands of years all over the world, but it is a square peg trying to fit into a round hole when it comes to incorporatting the variety of alternative therapies into the Western medical health model. This article suggests reasons why this is so, and how education of health care professionals can be approached and encouraged to change to a more holistic philosophy.
3(2): 4-11
Refereed Feature Article
Helen Cox
Dwelling in the Lifespace: Space, Place and Human Connectedness
Helen discusses recovery following a devastating bushfire, examining the journey of a number of community members in their struggle to reconstruct their lives
Abstract This paper is derived from a study into how members of a particular community recovered following a devastating bushfire. The paper uses ideas from phenomenological geography to examine one woman’s experience of dwelling in a disrupted lifespace, examining what it means to lose one’s dwelling place and the struggle that is part of reconstructing a place with soul.
3(2): 27-29
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper
Sue Dwyer
Holistic Care
Sue provides a personal account on health care and her life experiences
Abstract This article outlines how my attitudes to health and health care have been affected by my life experiences. My values and attitudes towards health care and my own health have changed throughout life due to my experiences of living.
4(1): 45-4
(Poem/Story
Annonymous
"Letter to a son"
A woman writes to her son the nurse and shares her experience of being a patient in a hospital
4(2): 44
Practitioners Forum
Heather Martin
The Land of Health
Abstract Beautiful things happen in a workshop/studio for mental health consumers who become survivors.
5(1): 10-18
Refereed Feature Article
Ruth Lo
A Holistic Approach in Facilitating Adherence in People with Diabetes
Ruth describes the psychosocial factors affecting adherence to self care behaviours in people with diabetes mellitus
Abstract The issue of adherence is a multidimensional one, with a complex set of factors that affect the behaviour of people with chronic illness. This article draws on some of the results of a recent study which explored the psychosocial factors affecting adherence to self-care behaviours in people with diabetes mellitus (DM).
5(2): 4-6
Refereed Feature Article
Kathryn Roberts
Patchwork and quilting as holistic health practice
Kay explores the value of patchwork and quilting to enhance the holistic care given by nurses to both clients and their loved ones.
Abstract Patchwork and quilting can be part of holistic care to clients and their loved ones. Nurses can encourage clients to use these skills to promote health and divert their attention from their illness. They can also encourage clients’ loved ones to make commemorative quilts. Such strategies will help to enhance the emotional and spiritual side of nursing.
6(1): 39-43
Non-Refereed Occasional Paper
Deborah Jamieson
Holistic nursing: The challenge of Jehovah’s Witness and the issues of blood
This paper explains the significance of blood to Jehovah’s Witnesses and discusses what alternatives could be offered by the nursing and medical professions.
Abstract Deborah discusses the spiritual values underlying the religious commitment of Jehovah’s Witnesses and offers many alternatives to blood transfusions.
6(1): 47
Practitioners Forum
Tara Walker
‘Has anyone spoken to the parents?’ ...
Provision of holistic care during paediatric resuscitation in a rural area. Reflections on how improved care came about for the family of a critically ill child requiring ventilation.
Abstract This article details issues and the subsequent implementation of interventions which arose from the near death experience of a four month old child whose parents waited outside unaware of their child’s rapid deterioration.
6(2): 4-9
Refereed Feature Article
Ruth Lo
Ron Brown
Holistic care and spirituality: Potential for increasing spiritual dimensions of nursing.
Ruth & Ron discuss ways in which the promotion of spiritual well-being can support clients in their journey to find meaning and hope in life and peace in death.
Abstract Holistic care addresses the physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of the client. Health care providers, however, frequently overlook the spiritual dimension. Spiritual care is inseparable from physical, social and psychological care because together they form the whole. Promoting spiritual well-being supports clients in their journey to find meaning and hope in life and peace in death. The preparation of nurses for the spiritual aspects of care deserves much more attention.
6(2): 45
Practitioners Forum
Suze Gillson
A changed life.
Suze reflects on how healing experiences can result in dramatic life changes
Abstract Occasionally clients stay with me for extended periods of time, providing me with the opportunity to evaluate and work with them without time constraints. I never cease to be amazed at the ways in which these healing experiences can result in dramatic changes to the lives of so many
7(2): 47
Personal & Poetic
Graham Russell
An account of an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Introduction The nearest AA group to where I live in Western Victoria is over one hour’s drive northwest. I had phoned and explained that as part of my ongoing nursing studies in drug and alcohol misuse I was required to observe an AA meeting and write a report on it. I was told by a man I will call Brian that I would be most welcome.
8(1): 23-30
Refereed Feature Article
John Stevens
Thea van de Mortel
Dorothy Leighton
Generating theory from the client’s experience of same day laparoscopic sterilisation
This study gives voice to the clients reality of their day surgery experience and provides insights from which nurses can consider their own practice
Abstract A grounded theory methodology was used to generate theory about the experiences of women undergoing laparoscopic sterilisation in a day surgery unit. Theories were developed on the role of client education in relieving anxiety, and the importance of privacy in all stages of client care. The grounded theory approach offered a client-centered model for day surgery planning.
8(2): 4-12
Refereed Feature Article
Debbie Kralik
Tina Koch
Christine Webb
The domination of chronic illness research by biomedical interests
Research over five years into living with chronic illness illuminates the need for attitudinal change by health professionals
Abstract The interest of biomedicine is the physical body viewed in isolation from the contextual understandings which shape the chronic illness experience. This neglect of the illness experience was evident in an inquiry conducted by the first author with 81 women who live with chronic illness. Herein we discuss a secondary analysis of the correspondence data in which we found many common elements across different medical diagnoses.
8(2): 31-38
Refereed Feature Article
Angelica Orb
Dianne Wynaden
Cross-cultural communication and health care practice
Angelica and Dianne challenge us to consider our own practice when dealing with clients from diverse backgrounds
Abstract This article describes concepts such as culture, cross-culture and the effect of culture in the communication process between clients and health professionals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in order to promote holistic health care. The paper outlines a case study that can be used to both support and improve cultural competence.
Annette Ritchie
Nutrition Education and Promotion in Primary Schools
Annette provides an in-depth look at design considerations for school-based health promotion
Abstract: Health promotion with school-age children can enhance knowledge about nutrition and change eating habits when health workers, schools and communities work together for a common goal. A range of options need to be considered when designing an effective and appropriate school-based program.
8(2): 45-47
Personal & Poetic)
Dr Joan O'Connor
The healer: A true story
Joan shares an experience with a stranger that enabled the healing process to begin
12(1): 4-10
Feature Article
The phenomenon of presence within contemporary nursing practice:
A literature
review
Di Welch RN, BAppSci(Nursing), MHlthSci(Research).
Sally Wellard RN, BA(SocSci), Post-Basic Renal Cert, MN,
PhD.
Abstract: Nursing practice underpinned by humanistic values may promote presence experiences within nurse–patient interactions. These interactions are powerful and beneficial both to nurse and patient. However, the phenomenon of presence is surrounded by competing and confused definitions. Whilst presence is arguably a core aspect of nursing practice, current health care environments significantly influence nurses’ opportunities to experience presence.
Key words: Presence, Intersubjectivity, Nursing practice, Positive outcomes, Devaluation.
12(1): Book
Review
Wright LM 2005 Spirituality, Suffering, and Illness:
Ideas for Healing
F A Davis Company, Philadelphia.
Reviewed by Bev Taylor
This book inspires the reader to look deeply into the phenomenon of suffering and its relationship to illness and spirituality. Through people’s narratives, the author has captured the meaning of suffering and how suffering can lead us to transcendent levels of knowing, experienced as spirituality. Even though the book has a substantial academic component, as evidenced in relevant professional literature, it nevertheless manages to entice the reader into listening in on conversations about suffering, because of its focus on the experiencing human.
Chapters are devoted to spirituality, suffering and illness in everyday life; reflections and learning about suffering; the literature; the Trinity Model of beliefs, suffering and spirituality; clinical practices that help healing; and connecting the personal and professional in matters of suffering, spirituality and illness. This book would not only be useful for nurses and health care workers in sensitising their practices to suffering, but it would also be a useful resource for researchers, whose projects are within the area of illness, suffering and spirituality.
11(2): 20
Book review:
By Dr Stephen Kermode, RN, BA, MHPEd, PhD
Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice, 4th edition
Authors: Dossey B, Keegan L, Guzzetta C
ISBN 0-7637-3183-8
RRP $108.90
Published May, 2004
Publisher Jones & Bartlett
Excerpt: This is a weighty tome (almost 900 pages of text) which covers the field of Holistic Nursing in great detail. It is an essential text for nurses who are committed to this type of approach.
Much of what it presents is already well recognised by nurses who work and study in this field, with its focus on inter and intra-personal aspects of health and healing. Parts of it are, unfortunately, quite conservative and quite limited for a book purporting to embody ‘holistic’ philosophy.
10(2): 19-25
Abstract: Nursing educators have been constantly striving to develop a curriculum which enhances holistic patient care. In this article, a descriptive overview is given of a senior level, 3 credit, nursing course designed to provide nurses and other health professionals with a background in the uses of music and the importance of auditory environments for patient care and well-being. This course, which was developed by LeNavenec and Epstein, has been available via the internet since Spring 2003.
Abstract: Healing in it self is a complex issue, and to that regard, this paper focuses on the concept through a whole person care approach. Emphasis is placed on providing a description of healing, identifying it’s many attributes and contributing factors, and listing the qualities that define a holistic healer. Complementary therapies have been found to be a major contributor to holistic healing, though more importance needs to be placed on the idea that it is through an intentional change in thought processes, attitudes and practice that a nurse may experience contentment in the role of holistic healer.
10(1): 13-21
Scientific, philosophical and social informants of holistic
health care
Joy Mendel BNat; BHlthSci; BSocSci(Hons)
Joy challenges us to think deeply about our individual mental constructs
of holism and how they may be reflected in our clinical practice.
Abstract: Concepts drawn from the broad area of non-linear dynamics including chaos and general systems theories have found widespread acceptance not only among health carers but in the broader community. These concepts are presented as partial informants of holistic health care. An uptake of monistic philosophy in Western society and changing social values are also presented as further informants of contemporary notions of holistic health care. Due to the diverse epistemology underpinning contemporary health care practice, the article concludes that individual concepts of holistic health care must differ markedly between health care practitioners who employ a holistic framework in practice.
Natural, complementary, alternative: Which term to use?
Matthew shares the reasoning behind his choice of terminology related to
holistic nursing practice.
Abstract: Although natural therapies are slowly infiltrating Australian nursing practice, there is still no consensus over which term to use and what these terms actually denote and infer. This article will address these concerns to reduce the confusion and misperception that currently surrounds the terminology currently in use.
9(2): 4-13
Refereed Feature Article
The Natural Holistic Imperative
Stephen Kermode RN, BA, MHPEd, PhD
In this article Stephen explains how ‘Health is as much to do with frogs as it is to do with good food’.
Abstract: Biodiversity is nature’s expression of the principle of holism. This ‘natural holistic imperative’ is manifested in all aspects of the environment. While environmental health originated through a concern for protecting humans from environmental risks, it is now concerned with protecting the environment from the activities of humans. In order to protect the health of humans, there is a need to be concerned with protection of the biosphere. Moreover, the environmental crisis is essentially a crisis in spirituality, and a spirituality that respects and nurtures the non-human parts of our universe as much as it does the human ones is likely to be the only means of securing the health and happiness of humanity.
Key Words: biodiversity, environmental health, holism
1(1):
4-9
Refereed Feature Article
Judy Jacka
Are Natural Therapies Necessarily Holistic?
A review of concepts relating to holistic health care
Abstract Holistic approaches to health care involve body, psyche and spirit in the healing process. This paper questions whether the administration of natural therapies necessarily means the provision of holistic health care, by reviewing some of the concepts relating to holistic medicine and holism.
2(1):
4-12
Refereed
Feature Article
Mary Jo Trapp Bulbrook
Healing from Within and Without: A holistic nursing theory illustrating the role of the inner & outer environment on health.
A theory of nursing that embraces not only the healing process but the interrelationships the healing process, the caregiver, the client and the environment
Abstract Healing from Within and Without (HFWW) is based on the assumption that health and healing in oneself is interrelated with health and healing in others – including the environment. HFWW is a powerful dynamic process in which the Body/Mind & Emotion/Spirit (interrelated systems) interface with the Self/Other/Context (interrelated systems) between the client and care giver.
2(2): 4-14
Refereed Feature
Article
Martin J. Owen
Challenges to Caring: Nurses interpretation of holism
A descriptive account of the philosophy of holism and its relationship to the science of nursing
Abstract Many scholars claim that nursing is a human science of caring, and that holism and holistic principles are central concepts within its heritage. This paper provides a descriptive account of the phenomenon of holism for the participants of a research project (registered nurses), utilising a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, which was used to explore the participants’ experiences, as it is lived.
Janet Mentgen
Australian Holistic Nursing Conference: Keynote Address
Janet Mentgen's address on ancient and contemporary wisdom and health care practices.
Abstract In October 1995 more than 100 people from Australia and 25 people from the USA attended the Second National Conference of the Holistic Nurses Association at Byron Bay. The theme of the conference was ‘Partnerships in Ancient Healing’ and it encouraged delegates to make CONNECTIONS between ancient and contemporary wisdom and health care practices. Janet Mentgen was one of three Keynote speakers who interpreted the conference theme. The following article is an edited transcription from the recorded paper she presented.
5(1):
19-31
Refereed Feature
Article
Janet McIntyre
Ethical Holistic Thinking and Practice for Community Health Workers and Nurses
Janet explores the way in which knowledge can be construed or constructed and the value of 'thinking tools' for health workers
Abstract If we take on board the assumption that social realities are perceived through filters of experience, social position, personality and emotion, then we accept that ‘facts’ can be differently construed or constructed. Compassion cannot be taught as a competency, but we can be made aware through reflexive thinking that the closest we can ever get to a shared truth is through listening to and understanding the other. This paper is a modest attempt to provide some tools for community health workers and nurses who are concerned about the quality of their practice and wish to find creative solutions. Keywords: nursing, holistic, ethical.
5(2):
32-35
Non-Refereed Occasional
Paper
Annette Morgan
Holism in nursing.
An exploration of the concept of holism and its meaning for nursing in the current health care context.
Abstract This article explores the concept of holism in nursing in terms of what it is and what it has to offer.
5(2): 41-46
Non-Refereed Occasional
Paper
Pauline McCabe
Revealing common ground:
Comparing themes in Traditional Natural Medicine and Holistic Nursing.
Pauline explores three systems of medicine, weaving in some themes on our understanding of disease, health and healing.
Abstract This paper explores three systems of natural medicine, our understanding of health, healing and disease processes and provides a description of a set of principles to assist integrating complementary therapies into nursing practice.
6(2): 35-38
Non-Refereed
Occasional Paper
Viv Griffiths
Eastern & Western paradigms: The holistic nature of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Viv’s paper discusses the practice of holism based upon differing Eastern and Western world view belief systems.
Abstract This paper discusses the practice of holism based upon differing Eastern and Western worldview belief systems. The practice of authentic holistic healing and caring is, according to the author, highly dependent upon which paradigm(s) the nurse lives within, given the constraints of modern Western science and its linear thinking, theoretical laws and objectivity towards the practice of healing and health care. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, healing and health are based upon circular thinking, observation, subjectivity and feeling, which reflects a differing holistic approach to human beings.
7(1):
31-35
Non-Refereed Occasional
Paper
Fiona Bell
The complex ‘whole’: Exploring homoeopathic and spiritual considerations
Fiona focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the nature and role of holistic health care through an exploration of homeopathy and spiritual considerations.
Abstract Unlike the biomedical model, holistic health care takes a much broader view of what constitutes health and the responsibility for helping restore an individual’s health. Homeopathy addresses the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the whole individual, while alternative practices such as yoga, hypnotherapy and meditation can be described as ‘functional’ spiritual practices which demonstrate the taking of personal responsibility for health care to the individual.
7(2):
34-38
Non-Refereed Occasional
Paper8
Sandra Mackey
Towards a definition of wellness
Sandi argues that for wellness research and practice to be based on strong, appropriate conceptual foundations, we need to clarify terminology
Abstract The term ‘wellness’ is widely referred to in the nursing literature, yet its meaning remains elusive. Definitions vary widely, if they are provided. Lack of consensus regarding the definition of wellness contributes to fragmentation of access to research findings and limits understanding and action in wellness practice. This paper looks beyond individual definitions of the terms ‘wellness’ and ‘health’ to examine some conceptual similarities which may contribute to the debate.
8(2): 4-12
Refereed Feature Article
Debbie Kralik
Tina Koch
Christine Webb
The domination of chronic illness research by biomedical interests
Research over five years into living with chronic illness illuminates the need for attitudinal change by health professionals
Abstract The interest of biomedicine is the physical body viewed in isolation from the contextual understandings which shape the chronic illness experience. This neglect of the illness experience was evident in an inquiry conducted by the first author with 81 women who live with chronic illness. Herein we discuss a secondary analysis of the correspondence data in which we found many common elements across different medical diagnoses.