Biomedical subjects

Donna J Brauer

Publications and source records attributed to Donna J Brauer.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

A method for pattern recognition.

Although pattern is a dominant concept in nursing science, only Newman's method for recognizing pattern has been fully articulated and widely used in research about the human health experience. This article proposes an alternative, less costly method to facilitate research with larger numbers of participants in clinical settings. Cluster analysis, a quasi-quantitative technique, and content analysis were combined to produce a technique for recognizing patterns of person-environment interaction. Results from two studies with persons experiencing a highly variable chronic illness, rheumatoid arthritis, indicated that this new approach identifies distinct common patterns of person-environment interaction. Sufficient detail about the nature of each pattern resulted to facilitate further knowledge development about the health experience and to provide guidance in structuring nursing care.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2003

Experiencing health in the context of rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to explicate the health experience of persons with rheumatoid arthritis who manifest a strong sense of well-being. Five women and three men participated in unstructured interviews in order to answer the research question, What are the subplots that emerge in the descriptions of health given by persons with rheumatoid arthritis? A hermeneutic method was used to analyze the transcripts. Three subplots emerged: (a) The evolving--not knowing and then knowing something, but never really knowing, (b) the reframing, and (c) the relational fugue. The findings, including creation of healing spaces and an evolving relationship with assistive devices, provide evidence of turning points in the health process and are suggestive of a strong sense of well-being as a manifestation of a reorganized pattern.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Temperament and satisfaction with health status among persons with rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: Health-related quality of life is a subjective phenomenon shaped by personal attributes. Research has demonstrated links between temperament and health outcomes. Because temperament is relatively stable, it could function as a moderator of quality of life. This study examined relationships among temperament disposition and satisfaction with health status. DESIGN: The model developed by Sprangers and Schwartz was used to develop a secondary analysis of data collected in a cross-sectional, correlational study with stepwise linear regression analysis. Instruments used were MPQ (dispositions) and AMIS2 (health satisfactions). SETTING: Two rheumatology private practices and 3 rheumatology clinics. SAMPLE: One hundred fifty-three persons diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (mean age = 55.4). FINDINGS: Scores reflecting Negative Affectivity (intrapersonal orientation and perception) demonstrated significant positive correlation (r = .26-.58) with all health domain satisfaction scores (P < .001). Negative Affectivity and Positive Affectivity (interpersonal orientation) jointly predicted 8.2%-37.8% of score variance. CONCLUSION: Temperament dispositions are associated with health-related satisfaction. IMPLICATION: Assessment of temperament can facilitate early identification of potential problems in the 3 quality of life domains (meaningfulness, manageability), and comprehensibility, and is useful for selecting or designing tailored interventions.

Activities of Daily Living↗