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Background and aim: The aim of the present article was to elaborate on a research approach and method called 'lifeworld hermeneutics'. Significant to lifeworld hermeneutics is that interpretation is the main methodological instrument for explaining and understanding existential research questions and lived experiences. From a caring science perspective, this often refers to research that aims to gain a deeper understanding of existential phenomena and issues, such as existential meaning of health, well‐being, homelessness, lostness, suffering and ageing, as well as what it means to experience unhealthiness and illness, the need for care, and caring that responds to such needs. Design: Theoretical paper. Result: The article briefly covers ontology and epistemology that clarifies the meaning and importance of a lifeworld hermeneutic attitude. This is followed by suggestions for how to perform a lifeworld hermeneutic study, expressed in relation to methodological principles for the interpretation, validation and structuring of interpretations. Thereafter, follow reflections on how to use theoretical or philosophical support to develop and deepen existential interpretations. The findings of lifeworld hermeneutic research consist of existential interpretations where the researcher, with an open and pliable attitude towards the phenomenon and the aim of the study, clarifies, explains and suggests new ways of understanding participants' lived experiences; the researcher should maintain such an attitude towards their understanding of the phenomenon as well. Conclusion: The lifeworld hermeneutical approach and method described in this article makes it possible to further deepen the understanding and knowledge about existential issues that is relevant for caring and caring science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper describes registered nurses' lived experiences of caring relationships in the context of homecare provision for older adults living in Denmark. With the growing ageing population throughout Europe, more older adults will require complex care solutions within already overburdened care systems. This development places demands on the competencies and organisation of homecare nurses, as they become key players in healthcare systems. Fostering caring relationships in homecare is a rewarding and valuable process that enhances the holistic and humanising aspects of caring for older adults. For a caring relationship to be truly caring, we must understand not only the subjective experience of such a relationship but also how it is experienced in relation to and shared with others. Aim: This study aimed to describe the essential meaning of the phenomenon of caring relationships in homecare for older adults based on the lived experiences of homecare nurses. Approach and Methods: Registered nurses working in homecare for older adults were interviewed, and a phenomenological analysis was conducted according to the methodological principles of the reflective lifeworld research approach. Findings: The essential meaning of the phenomenon is described as creating an existential and embodied space in which each patient's world is the foundation of caring. The constituents are as follows: caring for the whole person, a sense of 'at‐homeness' through trusting 'the other', experiencing continuity as caring and prioritising the time to care. Conclusion: Caring competence in homecare for older adults relies on a nurse's ability to intertwine physical and existential care needs and articulate them in their daily work. A focus on the phenomenon of caring relationships brings value to and adds an extra layer to the discussion on caring competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breathlessness is a serious and distressing symptom and a common reason why patients require prehospital care by ambulance clinicians. However, little is known about how patients experience this care when they are in a state of breathlessness. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the lived experiences of being cared for by ambulance clinicians when experiencing breathlessness. Methods: Fourteen lifeworld interviews were conducted with patients who experienced breathlessness and were cared for by ambulance clinicians. The interviews were analysed using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Findings: The essential meaning of being cared for by ambulance clinicians when experiencing breathlessness is described in two ways: existential humanising care, in which the experience is that of being embraced by a genuine presence or existential dehumanising care, in which feeling exposed to an objectifying presence is the main experience. This meaning has four constituents: surrendering to and trusting in the care that will come; being exposed to an objectifying presence is violating; being embraced by a genuine presence is relieving; and knowing is dwelling. Conclusion: The findings reveal that the ability of ambulance clinicians to provide existential humanising and trustful care, which is the foundation of professional judgement, was essential in how patients responded to and handled the overall situation when breathlessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper describes first‐line department healthcare professionals' experiences of conversations with young adults (16–25 years) who express existential concerns. Existential concerns encompass questions about the meaning of life and the choices people must make, and they are sometimes expressed during the period in which a child is becoming an adult. Sometimes the transition to adulthood can be difficult, and many young adults seek support from people in first‐line departments, such as primary care providers, youth guidance centre personnel and student health service employees in high schools and universities. Conversations in which existential concerns are recognised may be important for preventing mental illness in the future. Aim: The study aimed to describe healthcare professionals' lived experiences of conversations with young adults who express existential concerns. Approach and methods: This qualitative study utilises thematic meaning analysis. Interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in first‐line departments, and data were analysed based on the principles of reflective lifeworld research. The study followed ethical codes of conduct and conformed to the ethical guidelines adopted by the Swedish Research Council. Findings: The results are presented in three themes of meaning: searching for innermost thoughts requires being present, uncertainty about the unpredictable and awakening of one's own existential concerns. Conclusions and implications: Healthcare professionals are affected when young adults express their existential concerns, and they need more support to strengthen their ability to stay present and create inviting atmospheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The aim of the present article is to describe meaning-oriented thematic analysis grounded in reflective lifeworld research and to illustrate how the thematic analysis can be integrated in the research process. The article is a methodological paper, including ontological and epistemological assumptions for lifeworld theory. Research based on lifeworld theory is directed towards lived experiences and meanings in everyday life. Research that is founded on the epistemology of the lifeworld can present existential issues important for caring and qualitative research can in particular contribute to existential knowledge needed to understand the world of the patient., Design: Theoretical paper., Results: Starting with a phenomenon of relevance for caring science, the article argues for lifeworld interviews as a data collection method that can contribute to depth and meaning, and then presents a description of how structures of meaning can be outlined through a meaning-oriented thematic analysis. The research of lived experiences in caring science demands an approach that includes a reflective attitude during the methodological considerations. This article highlights the importance of ontological and epistemological considerations when conducting a meaning-oriented thematic analysis., Conclusion: The article places meaning-oriented thematic analysis in a wider research process, considering all aspects from collection of data to the creation of meaning-oriented themes., (© 2024 The Author(s). Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic College of Caring Science.)