Becoming a nomad when hospitalized with a neurological disease: a phenomenological study

ABSTRACT

Patients with a neurological disease are affected by their ability to maintain focus and are easily disturbed by outside stimuli. Few studies have investigated how sensory impressions from the physical environment contribute to patient’s wellbeing during hospitalization. However, no studies have explored the meaning of the environment to patients with a neurological disease during hospitalization. To understand what it is like to be a patient in a hospitalized environment at the neurological department. Nine patients were interviewed. Data analysis was inspired by the hermeneutic phenomenological methodology of van Manen. Four themes were identified: Perceiving unrest leading to despair; Angling for attention from staff; Being in a vacuum of imposed passivity; Seeking breathing spaces. The study provides insight into how environment plays a significant role in relation to existential issues for patients during hospitalization. Hence, the patients illuminate the experience of becoming nomads lurking around to find breathing spaces when they were not offered a calm and familiar environment. Patients shared that a hospital interior can be appealing and uplifting, decreasing their experiences of placelessness and thereby supporting them in a life situation where they feel less threatened concerning their health and wellbeing.

KEYWORDS:

• Hospital environment
• sensory impression
• aesthetics
• placelessness
• phenomenology
• van Manen

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Malene Beck

Malene Beck, MsN, RN, Ph.D. Head of Nursing Research, Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Region Zealand; Associate Professor, Institute of Health, Department of Nursing Science, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Eileen Engelke

Eileen Engelke, EdD, RN, CNE, Assistant Professor, Lienhard School of Nursing, Pace University; Adjunct Associate Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University, Leinhard Hall, Rm 319, New York, NY, USA.

Regner Birkelund

Regner Birkelund, Dr. Phil, PhD, Professor, Section of Health Services Research Lillebaelt Hospital / University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.

Bente Martinsen

Bente Martinsen, RN, MSN, Ph.D. Associate Professor Institute of Health, Department of Nursing Science, Aarhus University, Denmark.