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Y Norton

Publications and source records attributed to Y Norton.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

'Concealing the evidence': the importance of appearance concerns for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Outwardly visible signs associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can include facial rashes, alopecia and weight gain. We sought to understand the concerns of SLE patients about their appearance and the recognition of this by healthcare professionals. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 women aged 26-68 years diagnosed with SLE for one to 12 years. Data were analysed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA); this seeks to describe and provide understanding of people's experience of a phenomenon by studying in-depth a small number from a relatively homogeneous group (women with SLE in the present study). Analysis revealed three themes concerning appearance issues. Participants described public self-consciousness after the onset of SLE. Cosmetics and clothing were used skilfully to appear 'normal', hide the 'self' and assert control but could increase feelings of difference and isolation. Self-imposed isolation was also described and may relate to depression. The understanding of family, friends, colleagues and healthcare providers was also important. Awareness of the psychosocial concerns of SLE patients with life-changing skin disease may enable multidisciplinary healthcare teams to offer a more sensitive, practical service. The physical and emotional needs of SLE patients need to be ascertained and appropriate educational and psychological services are required.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

"Joining the dots" for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: personal perspectives of health care from a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the perceptions of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) about their health care provision in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 women aged 26 to 68 years who were diagnosed with SLE one to 12 years earlier. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to organise the themes of importance to participants. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: diagnostic difficulties; understanding; communication; and integrated health care. Before diagnosis there was concern to appear legitimately ill and to have a label for the condition. After diagnosis participants still encountered health care professionals who were poorly informed about SLE. Family, friends, and employers did not understand the fluctuating nature of SLE, which often led to isolation. Participants felt that even health care professionals who specialised in SLE could not fully understand the psychosocial impact of the condition, and therefore did not provide information to meet those needs. Participants did not know which of the many health care professionals they had contact with to approach about their concerns. Lack of communication at an interdisciplinary level left them feeling that nobody was "joining the dots" for their health care. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SLE do not feel understood by health care providers or people close to them. Support from trained volunteers with SLE, as available at the open access lupus clinic in Dudley (West Midlands, UK), would ensure more adequate information from someone with personal experience. Such services may improve communication and help minimise SLE patients' isolation.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Neurodevelopment and sensory integration.

This is the report of a nine-month study of three profoundly retarded, multiply handicapped subjects less than five years of age, who received mother-administered, clinic-supervised treatment for neurodevelopmental sensory integration. The emergence of more advanced postural reactions, changes in affect, and responses to objects were recorded. Trends toward early cognitive emergence are discussed in terms of the development of interest and affect, as related to the concept of "fixation attention" of normal nine-month-old thinking infants.

Affect↗