Linking theory with qualitative research through study of stroke caregiving families.

PURPOSE: This theoretical article outlines the deliberate process of applying a qualitative data analysis method rooted in Friedemann's Framework of Systemic Organization through the study of a web-based education and support intervention for stroke caregiving families. METHODS: Directed by Friedemann's framework, the analytic method involved developing, refining, and using a coding rubric to explore interactive patterns between caregivers and care recipients from this 3-month feasibility study using this education and support intervention. Specifically, data were gathered from the intervention's web-based discussion component between caregivers and the nurse specialist, as well as from telephone caregiver interviews. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: A theoretical framework guided the process of developing and refining this coding rubric for the purpose of organizing data; but, more importantly, guided the investigators' thought processes, allowing them to extract rich information from the data set, as well as synthesize this information to generate a broad understanding of the caring situation.

Internet-based support for rural caregivers of persons with stroke shows promise.

The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of providing Internet-based education and support intervention to caregivers living in rural settings, including caregivers' satisfaction with the intervention. A secondary aim was to explore their experience of caring. Nine adult caregivers of persons with stroke were enrolled in this descriptive study from rehabilitation centers in northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan. They were given access to the intervention, Caring-Web, for three months. Data were collected from participants' bimonthly interviews, as well as e-mail communications. Procedures were tested and found valid, and caregivers were willing and able to use Caring-Web. Using Friedemann's framework of systemic organization, a coding system was developed for analyzing the qualitative data on the experience of caring. Five main themes emerged from these data. These findings help expand knowledge about caregivers dealing with stroke.

You've got mail: rehabilitation nurses on the RehabNurse-L LISTSERV.

Rehabilitation nursing is a specialty with its own values, beliefs, practice, and language. Nurses are socialized to a specialty through their work interactions, professional readings, and professional affiliations. In this new millennium, nurses can communicate beyond their immediate environment with peers around the world through e-mail discussion groups (e.g., LISTSERV). The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) created the RehabNurse-L LISTSERV in May 1999 to provide a vehicle for nurses to network with colleagues worldwide. In this study, we reviewed the communications posted on that LISTSERV in an 18-month period to identify the discussion topics and the demographics of the 475 people who became members of the LISTSERV simply by logging onto the site. Of that number, 318 posted some type of communication--whether it be a comment or a question or a response to a previously-asked question. Members were from Australia, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Topics discussed included professional and clinical issues, disability and impairment, administration and regulation, cultural and international issues, and LISTSERV housekeeping issues. LISTSERV provides quick access to peers, an avenue for information sharing, and a unique support system--all of which offer many potential benefits to professional nurses in their daily practice.