Conference presentation
Exploring expertise: Negotiating delicate relationships in health care
2009 University Research Conference Program Book, p.9
USC Research Conference, 2009 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Nov-2009)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2009
Abstract
Relationships between health professionals have long been characterized by power. Despite advances in recognizing the importance of social experiences in effecting positive health outcomes, negotiating 'expertise' between various health disciplines can be characterized by contestation and uncertainty. A major theme in a PhD study focusing on family members experiences with rare cancer, 'expertise' significantly impacted on how participants navigated through the medical maze. This paper outlines experiences of negotiating expertise from the point of view of family members. Research regarding social work with family members of patients has increased in recent decades. However, as much family research focuses on better patient outcomes, there is still more to understand about family embers' personal journeys through the medical maze, particularly in regard to rare cancers. This research sought to inform social work and other professional allied health services in such circumstances. In-depth interviews was chosen to engage with 17 family members experiences in the time leading up to and surrounding initial diagnosis of a rare cancer. The methodological framework of critical phenomenology was chosen to explore family members lived experience and analysed within the broader structural context. This research informs professional responses to family members needs at times of critical care. Acknowledging various forms of knowledge in health care has the potential to increase successful health outcomes for the patient as well as informing the responsiveness of support services for those charged with caring for both patient and family members.
Details
- Title
- Exploring expertise: Negotiating delicate relationships in health care
- Authors
- Janette Foster (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Publication details
- 2009 University Research Conference Program Book, p.9
- Conference details
- USC Research Conference, 2009 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Nov-2009)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2009
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449128102621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
Metrics
382 Record Views