Social Work - Theses
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 4 of 4
-
ItemCrossing boundaries and lesson drawing: a case study of safe accommodation program transfer between Australia and India( 2008)This qualitative study examines the viability of India transferring safe accommodation for women leaving violent relationships from Australia. The objectives of the study are to examine safe accommodation programs for women leaving violent relationships in Australia and India, and identify transferable aspects from Australia to India. The service providers' account of the reality of overcoming challenges posed by cultural values and the knowledge that funding for women’s services is precarious provides the thrust of this work. This thesis argues that developing countries do not benefit from the knowledge exchange that is likely to occur between developed countries. Women's human rights principles and the “program transfer” approach inform this inquiry. A multi-method approach was chosen for developing the country case studies involving a literature review, field visits and semi-structured interviews with 10 service providers of safe accommodation services in Australia and India. Equal numbers of participants were interviewed in both countries. Expert sampling techniques were employed. The major finding of this study identifies that transfer of safe accommodation program for women leaving violent relationships between Australia and India is an aspiration particularly because of the incompatibilities that exist at various levels of service provision between the two countries. Crucially, the incorporation of the women’s human rights principles into the safe accommodation service delivery in both countries remains a challenge, and the analysis confirms that these principles remain largely unimplemented. In contrast to the popular belief that welfare programs in developed countries are consistently better than developing nations, the observations in this thesis identify that challenges remain in both country contexts. The thesis signposts areas of future research by establishing an agenda for ongoing research that is aligned with enhancing safe accommodation service provision in both Australia and India.
-
ItemSetting policy in concrete: the impact of the built environment on older people who live in residential aged care facilities( 2008)Residents of residential aged care facilities live out the last days of their lives in an institutional environment. These facilities can potentially liberate and/or constrain. The voice of actual residents has been little explored to date. Critical gerontology, which underpins the study, demands that researchers endeavour to understand the lived experience of the older person. This thesis focuses on the impact of the built environment on older people (without dementia) who live in residential aged care facilities. Based on original research undertaken in Victoria and some of the latest thinking from Australia and overseas the study was undertaken using mixed methods. The research involved a review of the literature, in depth small group interviews with residents, staff, family and carers, and surveys and a best practice forum with architects and managers. The research identified and explored the key areas of concern for each of these stakeholders, considering how residential aged care services could do more to improve the quality of life for residents through the built environment. Three key areas emerged from the study. Firstly, the journey the residents make in their time in the RACF and how the built environment impacts on their quality of life in place and over time. Secondly, the ‘frames of reference’ the key informants to the study hold are explored and how they can impact on the design process. Finally, by analysing the data collected and placing the resident at the centre, a model is proposed which holds potential and significance in relation to the development of RACFs in the future
-
ItemCrystallising meaning: attitudes of listening to illness narratives( 2008)This study involves listening to illness narratives embedded in in-depth life review processes. The method of multiple interview and multi-modal analysis and reflective responding utilised in the study aims to add to the existing field of research by expanding the understanding of what it is like to be heard or not heard, for people who are either patients, or family members. The study also aims to demonstrate how self-aware ,compassionate and reflective listening, particularly in healthcare relationships, can allow meaning to emerge from within the illness experience, thus enriching the wellbeing of patients, family members and their various healthcare professionals. Stories of disruption arising within healthcare settings often confronted me during more than forty years of nursing experience and also resonated within my personal experiences. These stories express a gulf between patients, family members, or residents in healthcare institutions, and the healthcare organization and its staff. A recurring theme was that these people felt that they had not been listened to by those they trusted to give them care, with a lasting sense of disruption to their wellbeing. In focusing on the dimensions of reflective listening and intersubjective responding, the implications of being heard on the well being of both narrator and listener can be elucidated. An objective of the research became to articulate the attributes and values of compassionate, reflective listening and elucidate the complex nature of the narrating and listening relationship. (For complete abstract open document)
-
ItemImpact of multiple sclerosis on committed caring relationships: the experience of twelve spousal carepartners dealing with this "uninvited guest"( 2008)This research study explores the perceived impact of multiple sclerosis on “carepartners” in committed caring relationships as the spousal roles change over time. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this study of persons with MS and their spousal carers residing in Australia during ten months of recruitment. Varied recruitment methods were used including the internet. 263 expressions of interest were received, and 203 survey packets were returned with usable data (77%). The demographic instrument and 4 scales measuring mood, reciprocity, life satisfaction and functional wellness were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Results from the quantitative phase of the study supported many international epidemiological findings related to gender, age of onset, difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis in the light of vague early symptoms of MS, and high levels of depression in the study sample. The preliminary analysis suggested that these data should be analysed further in dyadic terms (a person with MS and their identified carer). Further inferential statistical analysis examined the data sub-set of ‘pairs only’ which helped to inform formation of a pool of couples in caring relationships from which was selected a sub-sample of 12 spousal dyads residing in Victoria for interview in the second phase of the study. Emerging themes from narrative analysis (n=24 persons) revealed pressing concerns, personal strengths and coping strategies of interviewees. Two themes of special interest relating to (1) differing perceptions by ‘carepartners’ of the importance of cognitive changes to the dyadic relationship, and (2) expectations of health professionals are explored. Most respondents agreed that their expectations left much to be desired, suggesting that improvements could be made in the area of health care delivery to persons with MS, their carers and their families. There are implications for the development of a multidisciplinary, ongoing assessment, educational and support program for these persons. Further research is needed to define and expand the proposed role of a specialized key contact person to be a valuable ‘advocate’ in the delivery of timely health care resources throughout the disease trajectory.