Suchergebnisse

Employment is a key determinant of health, yet up to 80% of individuals with multiple sclerosis stop work within 15 years of diagnosis. The unpredictable nature of MS, both on a daily basis, and longer term means that maintaining employment can be difficult. Multiple sclerosis affects women disproportionately (> 60% of cases) and they often experience greater workplace challenges, yet few studies explore this. This study aimed to deepen understanding of the employment experiences and perspectives of women with multiple sclerosis to help inform future policy developments and care. A descriptive phenomenological approach was used involving thematic analysis from fourteen in-depth semi-structured interviews (data collected 2020). The inclusion criteria were adult women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis living in the UK who have current or previous experiences of employment. Seven themes were identified: Multiple sclerosis symptoms, workplace support, adjustments in the workplace, prioritisation of employment, making compromises, time and informal networks. These themes offer a descriptive account of the participant's experiences of work, how they experience their multiple sclerosis in relation to employment and some of the constraints and enablers to work. The findings highlight the importance of both individual and broader socio-environmental factors to successful employment outcomes. Tailored community support for these women, such as that provided by nurses, was considered central. There is a need for better collaboration at a policy level between government departments and for more research into women with chronic conditions, to further explore the relationship between different variables.

Policy makers in the UK are looking to technology such as telehealth as a solution to the increasing demand for long term health care. Telehealth uses digital home monitoring devices and mobile applications to measure vital signs and symptoms that health professionals interpret remotely. The take up of telehealth in community health care is slow because there is uncertainty about its use. Findings from a qualitative study of community healthcare show that community nurses are managing uncertainty through a complex set of negotiations. Drawing on Strauss' concept of negotiated order the study found three key areas of negotiation, which are 'supported care interdependencies', 'nursing-patient relationships', and 'risk management'. The relational, communicative and collaborative working practices of nurses shape these areas of negotiation and the resulting negotiated order. This article focuses on the perspectives of nurses in negotiating telehealth with their patients.