Abstract (1/4)

This first of four articles, begins with a description of the clinical observation that prompted the study of the phenomenon of comfort. The difficulties of the research are examined as well as the different interpretations in French of the English word “comfort”. The pertinence of an approach centred on the comfort-receiver patient and comfort-giver nurse are explained. The ontological and epistemological consequences of this choice are described. The post-operation context in which the study took place is described in general terms. The goal of the research, the research question and the theoretical pertinence of the phenomenon for nursing end this first part.
The second part of this article presents a synthesis of the analysis of English and French publications on the subject.
© M. Bécherraz – Jun 2001.

Key –words: hermeneutic Phenomenology, nursing care, dyad, comfort, suffering.

Abstract (2/4)

The second article starts with a discussion of the reasons for choosing the hermeneutic approach with respect to little-known phenomena such as comfort. It continues with a synthesis of several essential elements of the transcendental and existential phenomenology. Then, the principal characteristics of contemporary and interpretative phenomenology are outlined such as the phenomenological approach of Benner.
The method of putting in parenthesis (bracketing) is described, as well as the criteria used for the inclusion or exclusion of participants, the context in which the study was undertaken and how the interviews were experienced by those concerned. In addition, some data from the “carnet de bord” or research notes are discussed. The procedure of coding data is described as well as the thematic categories that emerged from the analysis. Direct observations are mentioned and finally, the article closes with a presentation of the criteria governing the methodological discipline and the ethical aspects of the research.
© M. Bécherraz – Jun 2001.

Key words: Hermeneutic Phenomenology, nursing care, expertise, dyad, comfort.

Abstract (3/4)

The third article is devoted to the analysis of the testimony of eleven patients who experienced receiving comfort in a post-operative phase. The hermeneutic process used is Patricia Benner’s, but with the addition of a novel element. Indeed, the approach is centred on the “patient – nurse” dyad and allows for three types of successive and complementary analyses: (a) the first is focused on the experience of the post-operative patient, (b) the second covers the interaction as experienced by the nurse and (c) the last is a simultaneous investigation of the actors in each dyad.
This methodological approach, within the context of hermeneutic research, is undeniably the strongest point developed by the author, because it allows an analysis which goes beyond the discourse of the nurse from which the patient “who suffers” is frequently absent. Two recommendations for clinical practice close this article. © M. Bécherraz – Jun 2001.

Key words: dyad, Hermeneutic Phenomenology, emancipation, patient, comfort, post-operative phase

Abstract (4/4)

The last of these four articles is an analysis of the experience of eleven nurses who have been through a comfort-giving experience with a post-operative patient.
It completes the ground covered in the previous article. Six tandems of converging and complementary thematic categories emerge from the data analysis of patients and nurses. These appear to confirm there is a balance or an equation between expectation and needs. However, two categories stand out from the group: On the side of the patient “to receive spiritual support” and for the nurse “to consider the socio-health context”. The latter brings out the impact of the organisational environment on opportunities for comfort giving and receiving. Two recommendations for the management of care end this series of articles. © M. Bécherraz – Jun 2001

Key words: dyad, Hermeneutic Phenomenology, autonomous nursing care, comfort, socio-health context

Abstract (1/2)

This article begins with an overview of the program of research that has examined comforting in a variety of clinical settings (Bécherraz, 2001; 2002). Then, the context, participants and research question for the third study are presented briefly. The article continues with a hermeneutic analysis of patient and clinician narratives. This hermeneutic analysis revealed four thematic categories related to comforting in mental health. These consist of (a) relational, (b) embodied, (c) social ties and (d) contextual dimensions. Further, the distribution of the 14 dyads along orthogonal axes as well as their composition will be presented and discussed. Finally, a paradigm case will illustrate all of the thematic categories, concluding with a brief synthesis.
© M. Bécherraz – October 2004

Key words: hermeneutic phenomenology, thematic categories, paradigm case, dyad, comfort, psychiatric care

Abstract (2/2)

This article provides a synthesis and comparison of three hermeneutical studies of the meaning of the experience of comforting in post-operative, general medical and mental health settings (Bécherraz, 2001 ; 2002e). The article presents the points of divergence and convergence regarding nursing comforting as reported by 36 ‘recipient-nurse’ dyads and 2 single patients (‘singletons’). Through the course of this comparative analysis, comforting appeared to be comprised of four stable dimensions (relational, embodied, social ties and contextual) and one unstable dimension (spirituality).
© M. Bécherraz October – 2004

Key words: hermeneutic phenomenology, dyad, comfort, post-operative phase, medicine, mental health, comparative analysis