Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Nursing

Supervisor

Dr. Carol McWililam

Abstract

The aim of this two-phased investigation was to enhance understanding of urinary incontinence (UI) knowledge translation (KT) to inform how UI management knowledge might be translated within in-home nursing practice and family caregiving. Although UI can be managed conservatively, it is a principal reason for the breakdown of family-care and care recipient admission to long-term care. Research has afforded little insight into family caregivers’ experience of KT and the process of in-home KT for UI management.

The first study used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to explore family caregivers’ experience of UI KT. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of caregivers (n=4) and analyzed with immersion and crystallization interpretive methods. KT was experienced through the social interaction of working together/not working together that was contextualized by homecare and personal attributes. The phase two grounded theory study explored the enactment of in-home KT. In-depth interview data were collected from a theoretical sample of 23 family caregivers, homecare recipients, and homecare providers. Constant comparison and Glaser’s analysis criteria were used to create the substantive theory of Translating Knowledge Through Relating. Findings illuminated how intersubjectivity and bi-directional relational interactions are interlinked in and essential to translating in-home care knowledge which is largely tacit and experiential in nature. Insights afforded understandings about how relational practice is necessary to foster mutual and equitable social construction of KT. The practical application of ‘Translating Knowledge Through Relating’ may constitute an important component of promoting health as a resource for everyday living with UI.

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