Kend dig selv: Om det sociale individ og det sunde samfund

Kend dig selv: Om det sociale individ og det sunde samfund[Know yourself: On the social individual and the healthy society]By Regner BirkelundOn the basis of a speech Gr held at Marielyst Highschool in 1862, the significance of the ancient Greek ideal of enlightenment, embodied in the Latin maxim Nosce te ipsum [Know yourself], is explored, which can be taken back to the Oracle at Delphi but which was also a central turning-point in both Plato’s and Aristotle’s pedagogic and social thinking. Partly by introducing the Greek ideal of enlightenment into his speech, Gr reveals a Greek dimension to his ideas on lifeenlightenment and social communality which has hitherto been only sporadically focussed upon in Grundtvig scholarship. This perception, that the expression ‘Know yourself simultaneously refers itself to an act of cognition and to the development of an innate potential for ethical engagement, is substantiated and placed in relationship to Gr’s concept of the divine image in humanity

Empowered to gain a new foothold in life:A study of the meaning of participating in cardiac rehabilitation to patients afflicted by a minor heart attack

This study aimed to investigate what it means to patients afflicted by a minor heart attack to participate in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). CR is well-established internationally to support patients towards moving forward in satisfying, healthy, and well-functioning lives. Studies indicate that patients achieve improvement in quality of life when participating in CR. However, knowledge of how patients are supported during CR is sparse. Moreover, knowledge of what participating in CR means to patients afflicted by a minor heart attack is lacking. In-depth knowledge in this area is crucial in order to understand these patients’ particular gains and needs. In a phenomenological-hermeneutic frame field observations, focus group interviews, and individual interviews were conducted among 11 patients during and after their participation in CR. Field notes and transcribed interviews underwent three-phased interpretation. It was found that patients were supported to gain renewed balance in their lives during CR. Three themes were identified: (1) receiving a helpful but limited caring hand, (2) being supported to find new values in life, and (3) developing responsibility for the remaining time. The patients were carefully guided through a difficult time and supported to continue in healthy everyday lives. They were given hope which enabled them to find themselves a new foothold in life with respect to their own sense of well-being. This guidance and a sense of hopefulness were provided by heart specialists and more seasoned heart patients. In conclusion, patients were empowered to achieve a healthier lifestyle and improve their personal well-being during CR. However, structural barriers in the programme prevented adequate support regarding the patients’ total needs. Knowledge of the benefits of CR emphasizes the significance of the programme and highlights the importance of high inclusion. Efforts should be made to develop more flexible and longer lasting programmes and further involvement of relatives must be considered

Det æstetiske indtryks betydning for sundhed, sygdom og velvære

I artiklen belyses den betydning for sundhed og velvære, som æstetikken er blevet tillagt i forskellige historiske perioder. Der knyttes an ved det antikke Grækenland, hvor overbevisningen om æstetikkens positive indflydelse på sundhed og sygdom, manifesterede sig i de mange lægehelligdommes arkitektoniske indretning og kunstneriske udsmykning. Det belyses endvidere, hvordan markante tænkere inden for den fænomenologiske tradition har forbundet det æstetiske indtryk med sundhedsrelaterede livsfænomener som livsglæde og livsmod, tryghed og velvære. Fra det historiske og fænomenologiske perspektiv på æstetik og sundhed trækkes en linje til nyere forskning, som bekræfter de æstetiske indtryks positive betydning

Raising a beautiful swan: a phenomenological-hermeneutic interpretation of health professionals’ experiences of participating in a mealtime intervention inspired by Protected Mealtimes

The British concept named Protected Mealtimes is known for stopping all non-acute activities and giving health professionals an opportunity to focus on providing patients their meals without being interrupted or disturbed. PM involves a cultural and behavioural change in the clinical setting, since health professionals are asked to adjust their daily routines. This study investigate how health professionals experience participating in a mealtime intervention inspired by the concept of Protected Mealtimes and intend to change mealtime practices. Three focus group interviews was conducted and included a total of 15 interdisciplinary staff members. After transcribing the interviews, the text material was analysed and interpreted in a three-methodological-step process inspired by the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur. In the analysis and interpretation three themes was identified. The themes were: (1) a chance towards a new and better scene; (2) a step towards a more neurologically friendly environment; and (3) a renewed view of the neurological patients. This study concludes that to the health professionals, the intervention was meaningful in several ways because it created structure during mealtimes and emphasized the importance of creating a calm environment for both patients and health professionals. The intervention was described as an eye-opening and well-regarded event in the field of neurological care that facilitated community, and reflections on nursing care and professional identity were expressed