Healing Through Integration:Promoting Wellness in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

This case study illustrates the basic life processes, transitions, and meanings of a woman with diagnosed coronary artery disease who participated in an innovative outpatient program of cardiac rehabilitation. Data gathering and analysis were accomplished using the phenomenologic procedures outlined by Spiegelberg and van Manen. A formulated structure, healing through integration, was generated from the interpretation of case study data, as well as the data of 15 other adult patients who participated in a program of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. This structure provides a framework for nursing assessment and the implementation of relevant mind, body, social, spiritual, and behavioral interventions designed to assist individuals in integrating health-enhancing behaviors and recovery following a cardiac health crisis.

Autonomy through identification: a qualitative study of the process of identification used by people with type 2 diabetes

“…In our study, identifying with the diabetes is conceptualized as a process that includes moving through phases but identifying with the diabetes is a non‐linear, cyclical and continuous process because people have to deal with changing conditions. This is congruent with several empirical reports (Medich et al. 1997, Paterson et al.…”

“…The second kind of struggle in our study is related to emotional vulnerability: the loss of control, feelings of dread, insecurity, frustration and then the fear of health complications. Other findings confirm emotional vulnerability (Medich et al. 1997, Hernandez et al.…”

“…In this period of vulnerability, they put great effort into preventing relapses into old behavioural patterns. Various empirical findings provide evidence of the existence of this vulnerability (Medich et al. 1997, Kralik 2002, Whittemore et al.…”

“…Medich et al. (1997), who examined a basic life process that people experience during cardiac rehabilitation, found phases of awareness and responding.…”

Current Status of Spirituality in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs

“…2 The awareness of mortality directs the cardiac patient to refocus on spirituality (not just religion). Facing mortality raises questions about finding meaning and purpose in life.…”