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Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

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<strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nursing</strong> & <strong>Midwifery</strong>, <strong>Trinity</strong> College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research <strong>Conference</strong><br />

Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007<br />

<strong>Conference</strong> <strong>Proceedings</strong><br />

Research Methodology<br />

A descriptive qualitative exploratory design was utilized for the<br />

study. A convenience sample <strong>of</strong> family carers (n=8) participated in<br />

focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with health<br />

care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals (n=3). These were tape recorded, transcribed<br />

and thematically analyzed.<br />

Findings<br />

Several key themes emerged from the qualitative data. These were<br />

therapeutic value <strong>of</strong> the intervention for family carers, the<br />

uniqueness <strong>of</strong> the individual and the building <strong>of</strong> family relationships.<br />

The life story books allowed the health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals to see the<br />

‘person behind the illness’.<br />

Conclusion:<br />

This study demonstrated that life story books helped family carers<br />

to value the important knowledge and information they have about<br />

the person they are caring for. The creation <strong>of</strong> the life story books<br />

enhanced the relationships between family carers, the person they<br />

are caring for and the health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.<br />

Back to contents page<br />

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