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A Pilot Study of the Experience of Participating in a Therapeutic Touch Practice Group

This pilot study explored the experience of participating in a Therapeutic Touch^TM practice group. A qualitative descriptive-exploratory method was used, involving 12 members of practice groups in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. Analysis of the data using an extraction-synthesis process yielded four themes: (a) learning with others through sharing and hands-on experience is valued; (b) connecting with a network of supportive relationships that sustain self and Therapeutic Touch practice; (c) comfort–discomfort arising with self, others, or ideas; and (d) meaningful changes emerge while experiencing group energy and Therapeutic Touch. The findings expand current knowledge about the positive aspects of participating in practice groups and provide a beginning understanding of member discomfort, which had not been previously reported. This knowledge will be useful to Therapeutic Touch organizations, practice group leaders, and group members. It will also guide health care agencies and practitioners of other healing modalities who may be considering establishing practice groups.

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How Family, Community, and Work Structured High Blood Pressure Accounts: From African Americans in Washington State

High blood pressure is one of the most often researched, yet least understood health disparities among African Americans. This descriptive, critical discourse analysis examined how family and community demographics and paid and unpaid work structured participants' accounts of high blood pressure experiences in Washington State. Thirty-seven urban-dwelling African American women (n = 17) and men (n = 20) in Washington State enrolled in the study from 2000-2001. Reports about stress, concerns, worry, loneliness, and paid and unpaid work were given in semi-structured interviews. Analysis results are embedded within three major themes: (a) Aware, But Not Informed, (b) Negotiating Self, Kin and Community Health, and (c) Distant Lives, Distant Love. Knowledge of life factors influencing African Americans' high blood pressure appraisals will help develop context-specific health programs focused on their concerns.

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Influence of Intestinal Stoma on Spiritual Quality of Life of U.S. Veterans

Purpose: To examine spiritual quality of life (QOL) of veterans with intestinal ostomies. Design: Mixed-method cross-sectional. Methods: Male veterans with total scores in the upper (n = 59) and lower (n = 61) quartiles of the City of Hope Quality-of-Life–Ostomy survey provided spiritual QOL data. Analyses included chi-square and analysis of variance with significance set at p < .05. Content analysis was used to explicate narratives and focus groups. Results: The high spiritual QOL group was more likely to be married, older, and report more years since surgery (each p < .0001). Upper quartile participants had more favorable scores for several spiritual QOL domains (all p < .0001). Qualitative comments reflected high or low total QOL scores. Conclusions: Spiritual QOL is influenced by an intestinal stoma. Qualitative comments lend insight into the meaning of spirituality items. Findings can assist in the provision of holistic care in this population.

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