Types of Empathy Among Certified Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia.

Purpose: This study identifies the unique phenomena and subjectivity of empathy as exhibited by certified caregivers. Methods: Q-methodology was used to define types and describe the characteristics of empathy in certified caregivers. After in-depth interviews with 10 certified caregivers and a review of the related literature, the final 38 Q-samples were selected by collecting experts' opinions. These Q-samples were sorted by 30 certified caregivers (P-samples). The PC-QUNAL program was used to analyze the Q-sort data. Results: Seven distinctive Q-factors for the empathy of certified caregivers were identified: I. Information-oriented cognition, II. Sensory communication, III. Compassion, IV. Performance-seeking through self-reflection, V. Intuitive empathy, VI. Role-centered sincerity, and VII. Passive obligation. The empathy of certified caregivers caring for older adults with dementia showed various characteristics according to each of their subjective values and judgments. Conclusion: This study's results help identify the empathy types and characteristics of certified caregivers caring for older adults with dementia and may contribute to improving the quality of care.

[Types of Perception Toward Quarantine Measures among Patients Infected with COVID-19].

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the types of perception toward quarantine measures at hospitals or community treatment centers among patients infected with COVID-19. METHODS: This study applied Q-methodology. Two hundred and nineteen Q populations were constructed based on related literature and in-depth interviews with 5 adults infected with COVID-19 and who experienced quarantine and hospitalization. Interviews were performed from November 14 to 29, 2020. A total of 45 Q samples were extracted and Q sorting was performed using a 9-point scale for 30 adult subjects who experienced quarantine at hospitals and community treatment centers. The data were analyzed using the PC-QUANL program. RESULTS: The perception of subjects toward quarantine measures was classified into the following six types: 'passive acceptance', 'social stigma perception', 'appreciation of daily life through awareness of the realities of illness', 'why me?', 'fearful perception', and 'positive meaning'. CONCLUSION: The perception of quarantine measure among patients with COVID-19 is identified as six types with positive and negative emotional characteristics. This result will contribute to the development of individualized strategies to address psychosocial health problems among patients with infectious diseases.