In-between duty and hope for recognition, the experience of physiotherapists working in a university hospital during the COVID-19 first wave in Switzerland: a qualitative study based on focus groups.

BACKGROUND: Learning more about the physiotherapists' experience, perceived role and perception of events during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as their recovery and projection into the post-crisis future, may be useful to inform stakeholders about the impact of the crisis. The objective of this study was to investigate the experience of physiotherapists working in a university hospital in Switzerland during the 1st wave of the COVID-19 crisis, more specifically their subjective experience, professional involvement, perception of management and perceived implications for the future. METHODS: This interpretative qualitative study investigated the subjective experience of a purposeful sample of 12 physiotherapists using two 2 h semi-directive focus group interviews conducted by a physiotherapist in June 2020. Data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The report was approved by participants and the study was audited by a health anthropologist. RESULTS: The most impressive points were the unprecedented nature of the crisis, the health threat, the hospital's capacity to reorganise on a large scale and the solidarity between colleagues. Participants expressed a high level of commitment to their role despite the potentially serious repercussions at an individual level. Pride and stress coexisted for those directly involved in the crisis, while those working in a reduced activity department felt anxious and idle. The need for immediacy in decision-making and action led to a flattening of hierarchies and an increase of uncertainties. Communication management was seen as the main area for improvement. Physiotherapists hoped that their involvement would improve recognition of the profession but feared that working conditions would deteriorate after the crisis. CONCLUSIONS: The physiotherapists expressed high dedication to their profession and pride to be part of the "war effort" during the crisis. The stress level was partly tempered by the solidarity amongst health professionals and distraction by engaging in action. Despite the mental load, this situation was also seen as an opportunity to grow at a personal and professional level. The healthcare system capacity having not been exceeded in Switzerland, less distress related to death and powerlessness were expressed than in other studies investigating healthcare professionals' experience of the COVID-19 crisis.

La naturaleza del conocimiento de enfermería: reflexiones para el debate de una mejor comprensión de los cuidados / The nature of nursing knowledge: reflections for a debate on a better understanding of care provision

El conocimiento generado por la ciencia de Enfermería necesita analizarse a través de las preguntas ontológicas y epistemológicas que surgen desde el pensamiento filosófico. Estas preguntas pueden servir para clarificar aspectos relevantes de la indagación científica, en la cual enfermería, como disciplina, desarrolla su conocimiento sobre los cuidados. Este artículo de reflexión filosófica, en el contexto de habla hispana, discute tres premisas por las que enfermería como disciplina acepta que la ciencia de enfermería debiera ser más interpretativa que explicativa en su naturaleza, y qué implicaciones derivan para el propósito del conocimiento de enfermería.

The nursing knowledge generated from nursing science needs to be analyzed through the ontological and epis-temological questions that arise from the philosophical thinking process. These questions can help clarify relevant aspects of the scientific inquiry on which nursing practice bases its knowledge of care provision. This paper discusses, in the context of philosophical reflection in Spanish-speaking countries, three premises by which nursing science should be more interpretative rather than explanatory, and the consequences that would arise for the purpose of nursing knowledge.

Sobre o campo da Alimentação e Nutrição na perspectiva das teorias compreensivas / The field of Food and Nutrition from the perspective of comprehensive theories

Trata-se de uma breve reflexão sobre o campo da alimentação e nutrição, aproximando o das disciplinas das ciências humanas. Toma-se como referência o pensamento de alguns teóricos e a vivência dos próprios autores. O objetivo principal é motivar a discussão sobre este tema da alimentação e nutrição considerando a complexidade das relações que envolvem o comer e a dietética, além de tentar estimular a reflexão da prática do profissional nutricionista. Justifica-se a importância metodológica de incorporar o uso da hermenêutica para a compreensão dessa temática. Reflete-se a importância de agir em relação à orientação alimentar associando o saber técnico desse campo com as perspectivas das teorias compreensivas.

The present article is a brief reflection on the field of Food and Nutrition as it interconnects with the humanities. Relevant theorists' thinking as well as the experience of the authors were used as references. The main purpose is to stimulate the discussion on the food-and-nutrition issue, taking into account the complexities involved in the relations between food consumption and dietetics. Also it is expected to motivate nutritionists to reflect upon their professional practice. Incorporating the use of hermeneutics for the comprehension of the subject is justified in terms of its methodological significance. The importance of taking action in guiding food consumption through the association of the technical knowledge of the field with various perspectives of comprehensive theories is also discussed.