Research Articles (Occupational Therapy)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/275

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 77

Health maintenance and wellness of older adults with noncommunicable diseases during covid-19 restrictions: Goal 3
(URHJ, 2024) Mthembu, Thuli
Background. The COVID-19 pandemic preventive measures were implemented to curb coronavirus transmission but also impacted the risks and mortality associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Older adults, who are particularly vulnerable, have been especially affected, yet there is limited research on how to maintain their health and wellness. Objectives. To explore the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the health maintenance and wellness of older adults with NCDs in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Methods: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative design was used, involving WhatsApp phone calls and nine semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results. The data revealed two themes: COVID-19-induced health inequalities among older adults and their efforts toward a growth mindset. The findings indicate that the violation of human dignity among older adults with NCDs was exacerbated by limited access to healthcare facilities and fears of infection. However, their willingness to adapt enabled them to make necessary adjustments. Conclusion. The disruption of healthcare services impacted the health maintenance and wellness of older adults with NCDs, prompting them to rely on both their internal and external capacities to strengthen their growth mindset and resilience. This highlights the need for disaster-resilient, people-centred primary health care and universal health coverage for older adults with NCDs.
Covid-19 and higher education: a qualitative study on academic experiences of African international students in the Midwest
(Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2023) Majee, Wilson; David, Ifeolu; Kehinde, Omoshola; Tefera, Gashaye M
COVID-19 pandemic has harshly impacted university students since the outbreak was declared in March 2020. A population impacted the most was international college students due to limited social networks, restrictive employment opportunities, and travel limitations. Despite the increased vulnerability, there has been limited research on the experiences of African-born international students during the pandemic. Using an exploratory qualitative design, this study interviewed 15 African-born international students to understand their experiences during the pandemic. Thematic analysis revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced participants’ academic life directly via an abrupt shift to online learning and indirectly through disruptions in an academic work routine, opportunities for networking, and career advancement, resulting in lower academic performance and productivity. These experiences were worsened by other social and regulatory barriers associated with their non-immigrant status. The study findings suggest an increased need for institutional and community support for international students as vulnerable populations during a crisis to promote sustained academic success.
Understandings and practices: Towards socially responsive curricula for the health professions
(Springer, 2023) Hansen, Anthea; Engel-Hills, Penelope; Hess-April, Lucia
Global health inequities have created an urgency for health professions education to transition towards responsive and contextually relevant curricula. Such transformation and renewal processes hold significant implications for those educators responsible for implementing the curriculum. Currently little is known about how health professions educators across disciplines understand a responsive curriculum and how this understanding might influence their practice. We looked at curricula that aim to deliver future health care professionals who are not only clinically competent but also critically conscious of the contexts in which they serve and the health care systems within which they practice.
Participant perspectives on the effects of an african american faith-based health promotion educational intervention: a qualitative study
(Pubmed, 2022) Anakwe, Adaobi
Background In the USA, African Americans (AAs) experience a greater burden of mortality and morbidity from chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Faith-based programs are a culturally sensitive approach that potentially can address the burden of chronic health conditions in the AA community. Objective The primary objective was to assess (i) the perceptions of participants of Live Well by Faith (LWBF)—a government supported faith-based program to promote healthy living across several AA churches—on the efectiveness of the program in promoting overall wellness among AAs. A secondary objective was to explore the role of the church as an intervention unit for health promotion among AAs. Methods Guided by the socio-ecological model, data were collected through 21 in-depth interviews (71% women) with six AA church leaders, 10 LWBF lifestyle coaches, and fve LWBF program participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by three of the researchers. Findings Several themes emerged suggesting there was an efect of the program at multiple levels: the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community levels. Most participants reported increased awareness about chronic health conditions, better social supports to facilitate behavior change, and creation of health networks within the community. Conclusion Our study suggests that one approach to address multilevel factors in a culturally sensitive manner could include developing government-community partnership to co-create interventions
The past is so present: Understanding Covid‑19 vaccine hesitancy among African American adults using qualitative data
(Springer, 2022) Majee, Wilson; Anakwe, Adaobi; Onyeaka, Kelechi
African Americans (AAs) are disproportionately afected by structural and social determinants of health, resulting in greater risks of exposure to and deaths from COVID-19. Structural and social determinants of health feed vaccine hesitancy and worsen health disparities.The present study aims to explore vaccine attitudes and intentions among program participants, understand the role of an African American faith-based wellness program in COVID-19 awareness and vaccine uptake, and solicit potential solutions for this deep-rooted public health problem.
Unpreparedness and uncertainty: a qualitative study of African American experiences during COVID-19 pandemic
(Sociological Spectrum, 2022) Majee, Wilson; Anakwe, Adaobi; David, Ifeolu; BeLue, Rhonda
During disasters, vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected. COVID-19 disproportionately affected African American (AA) families, increasing their risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The pandemic also exacerbated existing negative milieu such as economic opportunity and access to social and healthcare services. We explored AA families’ experiences of indirect pandemic effects. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth telephone interviews with 11 AA parent/grandparents of school-aged child (5–17 years). Line-by-line coding and thematic analysis were used to analyze and interpret the data. Three emergent themes highlighted the salient indirect effects of COVID-19 pandemic on AA families: (i) access to healthcare, (ii) access to food, and (iii) disaster unpreparedness. Participants expressed frustration with virtual healthcare services and inability to schedule in-person hospital appointments for health conditions unrelated to COVID-19. Lack of food products in stores and limited financial resources due to pandemic-related job layoffs were important food insecurity factors discussed. Unpreparedness on the part of institutions, state, and the nation, created heightened perceptions of vulnerability. Given the social vulnerability spectrum in the U.S., pandemic planning approaches that promote equity are critical if public officials are to develop effective adaptation, mitigation, response, and recovery plans that mobilize and serve diverse populations.
“This pandemic has changed our daily living”: Young adults’ leisure experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa
(Journal of Occupational Science, 2022) Wegner, Lisa; Stirrup, Shannon; Desai, Himali; De Jongh, Jo-Celene
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global human ecosystem disruption affecting almost every facet of daily living. South Africa adopted a risk-adjusted approach comprising five-levels to curb the spread of COVID-19. Early in 2020, the country experienced level 5 and 4 restrictions, indicating high COVID-19 spread with low to moderate health system readiness. South Africans were largely confined to their homes. This study explored young adults’ experiences of leisure engagement during the confinement, adaptations made, and the influence on health and wellbeing. Thirteen occupational therapy student researchers conducted individual qualitative, exploratory-descriptive studies on young adults’ leisure experiences during the level 5 and 4 confinements. The authors used a qualitative meta-analytic approach to review the student researchers’ primary studies and synthesize findings for this paper. The sample comprised 65 participants aged 18 to 32 years (mean age 22.2 years), the majority being either students or employed. Participants were interviewed online or submitted written responses to open-ended questions focusing on their leisure engagement during the confinement. Relevant data were extracted from the primary studies and analyzed thematically. Four themes emerged: 1) disruption, 2) time, 3) adaptations to change, and 4) leisure benefits. Although participants experienced the confinement as disruptive, and restricting their leisure and social engagement, they adapted and developed new leisure occupations, which had a positive influence on their health and wellbeing. In conclusion, the young adults dealt with the occupational injustices of confinement by adapting their leisure engagement, thus displaying occupational resilience, which positively influenced health and well-being.
Predictors of return to work among stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria
(Hong Kong Occupational Therapy Association (HKOTA), 2021) Anthea, R.; Soeker, S.M.; Olaoye, O.A.
Stroke is acknowledged globally and among Nigerian rehabilitation researchers as a public health problem that leaves half of its survivors with significant neurological deficits and inability to re-establish pre-existing roles. Consequent to the dearth of country specific data on return to work and its determinants for stroke survivors in Nigeria, this study investigated the predictors of return to work among stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria.
A descriptive, qualitative study of the challenges that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience when transitioning from skills training programs into the open labor market in Cape Town, South Africa
(IOS Press, 2020) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed
BACKGROUND: There is limited existence of qualitative research on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who are transitioning between skills training programs and finding employment in the open labor market, in South Africa. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this current study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of individuals living with ASD, regarding transitioning from a skills training program to working in the open labor market. PARTICIPANTS: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten participants, who were diagnosed with ASD, and working in the open labor market, as well as five key informants, who have worked with autistic individuals in a skills training program. METHODS: The data collected, using an explorative, descriptive, qualitative method, were analyzed using thematic analysis, and resulted in three emerging themes. RESULTS: Theme one: The 'disorder' in the workplace -The individual and collective barriers that individuals experience in the workplace are described, including social, emotional, and communication difficulties, as well as the stigmatization experienced by persons with a disability. Theme two: Making the workplace work -The facilitative support that individuals are exposed to, in the form of intervention from occupational therapists, sensory psychologists, and other forms of skills training programs, are described. In addition to supportive intervention, the relationships and networking within, and outside of the workplace, are discussed in theme two. Theme three: What works for me -The individual adaptations made by the participants, in the form of unique coping mechanisms in the workplace, as well as in the home environment, are discussed. CONCLUSION: It was observed that, while there are barriers to the transitioning of autistic individuals into the open labor market, there are enablers that facilitate a less challenging transitioning process, in the form of family and workplace support, as well as skills training, and self-identified coping mechanisms. © 2020 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.
Ease and equity of access to free DR-TB services in Nigeria- a qualitative analysis of policies, structures and processes
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2020) Oga-Omenka, Charity; Bada, Florence; Agbaje, Aderonke; Dakum, Patrick; Menzies, Dick; Zarowsky, Christina
Introduction: Persistent low rates of case notification and treatment coverage reflect that accessing diagnosis and treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Nigeria remains a challenge, even though it is provided free of charge to patients. Equity in health access requires availability of comparable, appropriate services to all, based on needs, and irrespective of socio-demographic characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the reasons for Nigeria’s low rates of case-finding and treatment for DR-TB. To achieve this, we analyzed elements that facilitate or hinder equitable access for different groups of patients within the current health system to support DR-TB management in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted documentary review of guidelines and workers manuals, as well as 57 qualitative interviews, including 10 focus group discussions, with a total of 127 participants, in Nigeria. Between August and November 2017, we interviewed patients who were on treatment, their treatment supporter, and providers in Ogun and Plateau States, as well as program managers in Benue and Abuja. We adapted and used Levesque’s patient-centered access to care framework to analyze DR-TB policy documents and interview data. Results: Thematic analysis revealed inequitable access to DR-TB care for some patient socio-demographic groups. While patients were mostly treated equally at the facility level, some patients experienced more difficulty accessing care based on their gender, age, occupation, educational level and religion. Health system factors including positive provider attitudes and financial support provided to the patients facilitated equity and ease of access. However, limited coverage and the absence of patients’ access rights protection and considerations in the treatment guidelines and workers manuals likely hampered access. Conclusion: In the context of Nigeria’s low case-finding and treatment coverage, applying an equity of access framework was necessary to highlight gaps in care. Differing social contexts of patients adversely affected their access to DR-TB care. We identified several strengths in DR-TB care delivery, including the current financial support that should be sustained. Our findings highlight the need for government’s commitment and continued interventions.
Sink or swim: Virtual life challenges among African American families during COVID-19 lockdown
(MDPI, 2021) Majee, Wilson; Anakwe, Adaobi; Noel-London, Kembe; Zachary, Iris; Belue, Rhonda
This study explores African American parents’ experiences with using technology toengage their children in meaningful activities (e.g., e-learning) during COVID-19 and its impact on family health. Eleven African American families were recruited through a local health department program from a rural Midwestern community to participate in semi-structured interviews. The majority of participants reported stresses from feelings of “sink or swim” in a digital world, without supports from schools to effectively provide for their children’s technology needs. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of family-school collaborative engagement and empowerment. Digital technology needs to become part of our school education system so that technology use among African Americans is elevated and families protected against future outbreaks. Further research with a more diverse African American sample is needed.
Predictors of return to work among stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria
(Sage Publications Inc., 2021) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed; Olaoye, Olumide Ayoola; Rhoda, Anthea
Introduction: Stroke is acknowledged globally and among Nigerian rehabilitation researchers as a public health problem that leaves half of its survivors with significant neurological deficits and inability to re-establish pre-existing roles. Consequent to the dearth of country specific data on return to work and its determinants for stroke survivors in Nigeria, this study investigated the predictors of return to work among stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria. Method: Two hundred and ten stroke survivors from five tertiary health facilities in Osun state, Nigeria responded to a validated three-section questionnaire assessing return to work rates and its determinants after stroke in this study. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistic of chi-square, t-test and multiple logistic regression. Result: The mean age of the respondents was 52.90 ± 7.92 years. Over 60% of the respondents returned to work with about half of them in full time employment (32.9%). Majority of the respondents noted that travel to and from work (43.8%) and access at work (43.3%) had an impact on their ability to work. The symptoms of stroke (odds ratio (OR) = 0.87), the environment (OR = 0.83), body function impairments (OR = 0.86) as well as activity and participation problems (OR = 0.80) were the significant predictors of return to work. Hemiplegia or paresis of the non-dominant side of the body was associated with a higher chance of return to work (OR = 7.64). Conclusion: Body function impairments, activity and participation problems were independent predictors of return to work after stroke. Similarly, side of hemiplegia plays a prominent role in resumption of the worker role of stroke survivors in south-west Nigeria. © The Author(s) 2021.
The experiences of individuals with schizophrenia using The model of Occupational Self-Efficacy in enhancing work skills and returning to work in the open labour market in Western Cape, South Africa
(South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2021) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed; Abbas, Iesrafeel
Introduction: Evidence suggests that supported employment strategies improve the rates of employment for individuals with schizophrenia. The Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MOOSE) is such a strategy aimed at enhancing work skills and facilitating return to work (RTW). The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences of individuals with schizophrenia about the use of the MOOSE in enhancing work skills and facilitating RTW in the open labour market. Method: A qualitative research project with an interpretivist paradigm explored the experiences and perceptions of nine participants diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Two occupational therapists participated as key informants. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Barriers and facilitators to the use of the MOOSE were revealed. More importantly, the MOOSE enhanced the development of worker identities and contributed to the successful adaptation of worker roles in the RTW process of individuals with schizophrenia in the open labour market.Conclusion: The MOOSE is an effective supported employment strategy for persons with schizophrenia. Factors such as client-centred practice, the presence of social support, and ongoing therapeutic support contributed to the participants’ successful RTW experience. (PDF) The experiences of individuals with schizophrenia using the Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy in enhancing work skills and returning to work in the open labour market in Western Cape, South Africa.
A Commentary of occupational justice and occupation-based community development frameworks for social transformation: The Marikana event
(South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2021) Mthembu, Thuli Godfrey
Background: The Occupational justice framework is significant in enabling communities to collaborate with occupational therapists to strengthen social vision and enhance occupational potential. It has been highlighted that the occupational justice framework could be used in conjunction with Occupation-based Community Development programmes to enrich social transformation through engagement in community-led occupations. However, little is known about the applicability of both occupational justice and Occupation-based Community Development frameworks in designing programmes for communities that experienced collective trauma. Purpose: This commentary explores the Marikana event in terms of the occupational justice framework and its outcomes of occupational injustice. It further unpacks the occupation of protest and the factors predicting protest using the Marikana event. Conclusion: The applicability of Occupational Justice and Occupation-based Community Development frameworks can help occupational therapy clinicians, educators, and students collaborate with communities through a cycle of critical consciousness to achieve social vision, transformation, and healing. Recommendations are provided in relation to community-centred occupational therapy practice, education, and future research within a South African context. (PDF) A Commentary of Occupational Justice and Occupation-based Community Development Frameworks for Social Transformation: The Marikana Event. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350810812_A_Commentary_of_Occupational_Justice_and_Occupation-based_Community_Development_Frameworks_for_Social_Transformation_The_Marikana_Event [accessed Sep 20 2021].
The value of occupational therapy intervention for the worker roles of forensic mental healthcare users in Cape Town, South Africa
(IOS Press, 2021) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed; Hare, Saabirah; Mall, Saadia; van der Berg, Jean
BACKGROUND: There is a void in research that focuses on how OT programs facilitate self-esteem in forensic mental healthcare users' return-to-work in the open labor market, particularly in South Africa. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences and perceptions of forensic mental healthcare users, transitioning from an OT program to the open labor market. METHODS: Five individuals, diagnosed with Schizophrenia, and two key informants participated in this study that was positioned in a qualitative paradigm, with an exploratory and descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. RESULTS: Theme one reflects on the challenges experienced by forensic mental healthcare users, when returning to work. Theme two describes various OT programs, as well as how they facilitate the reintegration of forensic mental healthcare users into the worker role. Theme three describes the positive support for forensic mental healthcare users, in the mental healthcare setting, workplace, and the greater community. Theme four describes how participation in occupation installs hope in forensic mental healthcare users, reinforcing the value of work, while positively influencing their work identity. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that stigma, residual symptoms, relapse due to substance abuse/mental health, and the lack of family support, were not be conducive to work skills development. However, the support of family and friends, workplace occupational therapy support, assembly line work, and therapeutic groups in an OT program, ensured positive workplace reintegration.
Worker roles in the open labor market: The challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities in the Western Cape, South Africa
(IOS Press, 2021) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed; Kaapitirapi, Philadelphia; Heyns, Megan; Shoko, Sofiso; Modise, William
BACKGROUND: Work holds great meaning and benefits beyond just monetary gain for people with intellectual disabilities. It gives these individuals the opportunity to engage in meaningful occupation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to explore challenges that people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) experience when adapting to their worker roles in the open labor market. METHODS: The study used grounded theory as the research design. Five male participants and two key informants participated in the study. Two semi structured interviews were conducted with each one of the seven participants (five PWID and two key informants). RESULTS: Three core concepts emerged: 1) Unforeseen challenges of change; 2) A well-planned work preparation program enables success and 3) Crossing the bridge into the workplace: 'Do I belong here?' CONCLUSIONS: This indicated that with sufficient external support, PWID are able to gain a sense of social belonging and develop the necessary skills to cope with challenges that arise in the workplace when PWID transition from protective/sheltered workshops to the open labor market. The findings of the study also indicated that work preparation programs and supportive employment approaches helped PWID transition to the open labor market.
Leisure boredom, timing of sexual debut, and co-occurring behaviors among South African adolescents
(Springer, 2021-08) Layland, Eric K.; Ram, Nilan; Caldwell, Linda L.
Sex during adolescence is normative; however, there are substantial individual differences in the timing and context of sexual debut. Leisure boredom is an underexplored correlate of sexual behavior that is associated with many adolescent health outcomes. We investigated if and how individual differences in leisure boredom may be associated with timing of sexual debut, and whether individuals engage in safe or risky behaviors at debut. Survival analysis, logistic regression, and Poisson regression were applied to eight-wave longitudinal data obtained from 3,088 South African adolescents (baseline Mage = 13.9 years) to examine associations between leisure boredom and cumulative hazard of sexual debut across adolescence, odds of co-occurring sexual behaviors, and incidence rate of co-occurring sexual risk behaviors at debut. Higher levels of leisure boredom were associated with elevated hazard cumulatively across adolescence. Higher levels of leisure boredom were also associated with lower odds of safe sex and higher odds of substance use during sex and transactional sex at sexual debut, but not casual sex or condom non-use at sexual debut. Although odds of singular risk behaviors were lower for girls than for boys, the association between leisure boredom and the number of risk behaviors at sexual debut was stronger for girls than boys. Higher trait leisure boredom was associated with elevated hazard of sexual debut, greater likelihood that risky behaviors accompanied sexual debut, and greater number of co-occurring risky behaviors at sexual debut. Results support leisure boredom as a potential target for preventing sexual risk behavior among South African adolescents.
A service user perspective informing the role of occupational therapy in school transition practice for high school learners with TBI
(Wiley/Hindawi, 2019-08) Jacobs-Nzuzi Khuabi, Lee-Ann; Swart, Estelle; Shaheed Soeker, Mogammad
Background. In the South African context, there are no specific guidelines regarding how to prepare and support adolescents for the transition from a health care to a high school setting post TBI. This raises questions about the relevance and responsiveness of the current transition practices in occupational therapy in terms of adequately preparing and supporting these adolescents toparticipate in school and hence exercise their right to a quality education. Method. This study explored adolescents and otherkey role players’ perspectives on and experiences of the high school transition (i.e., school reentry and continued school participation) post TBI. It was anticipated that this would provide an increased understanding of the enablers and barriers to high school reentry and participation post TBI. This served as a basis to explore the main aim of this study which was to help occupational therapists identify where efforts in terms of service delivery are needed. This study was situated in the interpretivist qualitative paradigm and used a multicase study design, which included semistructured interviews with eight adolescent learners with TBI, their primary caregivers, teachers, and principals as well as observations and documentation review. Results. This paper will focus on a central theme in the research, namely, the nature and extent of support needed to facilitate the high school transition of adolescents with TBI within a developing context. Similar to the findings of studies conducted in developed contexts, participants highlighted that they felt that adolescents need support at various stages of the school transition. Participants further alluded to support that should be collaborative, coordinated, flexible, and monitored to ensure it is relevant and responsive to these adolescents’ changing needs. Conclusion. The study findings conclude that occupational therapists have a crucial role in fostering an enabling environment (directly and indirectly) through fulfilling various roles including that of a facilitator, intermediary, coach, collaborator, supporter, and advocator.
Exploring experiences of using case study as a teaching strategy to learn about spirituality in occupational therapy education
(African Journal of Health Professions Education, 2021-06) Mthembu, Thuli, G.; Rhoda, Anthea
Background. A case study is a teaching strategy that is used in other professions, such as nursing and medicine; however, there are no studies that focus on the experiences of occupational therapy (OT) students regarding the use of a case study to learn about spirituality. Objectives. To explore undergraduate OT students’ experiences of using a case study as a teaching strategy to learn about spirituality. Methods. Exploratory-descriptive qualitative research was conducted, using purposive sampling to select and recruit second-year OT students (N=25) who consented to participate in the study. Transcribed data from three focus group discussions were thematically analysed through a credible process. Results. Two major themes were identified. Theme 1, the importance of a case study as a teaching method, deals with students’ learning experiences of using a case study. Theme 2, skills learnt through a case study, highlights profession-specific and academic skills that students managed to acquire and apply by using a case study as a learning strategy. Conclusion. This study provided insight into the OT students’ experiences of using a case study. The findings are consistent with previous research that focuses on the use of a case study as a teaching strategy, which enabled students to apply their knowledge in a real-life situation by recognising and solving problems through engaging in critical reflection and using various skills. This work contributes to existing knowledge of health sciences education by providing teaching and learning strategies that educators may use to facilitate students’ engagement in collaborative learning.
Nurse educators’ understanding of spirituality and spiritual care in nursing: A South African perspective (Part 1)
(Elsevier, 2020) Phetlhu, Deliwe Rene; Klopper, H.C.; Linda, N.S.
Introduction: The nurse educators’ (NE's) expressed lack of confidence to facilitate spiritual care when teaching undergraduate nursing correlates conversely to reported lack of formal integration due to slow uptake of spiritual care in most nursing schools in South Africa. In this study, “spiritual care” relates to holistic care which is designed to reach the invisible, deep human needs that are important to meet personhood needs such as good health, search for meaning, hope, inner strength and peace. “Spirituality” refers to ‘inherent-inborn-inner motives that give meaning and hope in one's life; and the essence that gives meaning and purpose to one's very existence. Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the understanding of spiritual care in nursing practice by nurse educators. Methods and procedures: A qualitative approach using an exploratory and descriptive design was used to explore and describe the understanding of “spirituality” and “spiritual care” by the NEs. In-depth structured interviews were conducted. A sample of (n = 10) NEs who were purposively selected responded to the open-ended question “what is your understanding of spiritual care in nursing education and practice”? Findings: Three themes emerged include: (i) defining “spirituality” within a nursing context; (ii) spiritual care as a missing component in the curriculum and (iii) perceived challenges and constraints in the teaching and learning of spiritual care. Conclusion: Despite lack of spiritual care guidelines posing a problem, NEs unequivocally exemplified their willingness to teach students how to engage with patients’ spiritual needs. A need for a guiding theory and philosophy to formalised teaching of spiritual care in nursing education was acknowledged.

Browse

collection.page.browse.recent.head