Qualitative Research

This is a multi-phase study that uses two distinct methodologies: hermeneutic (interpretive) phenomenology and autoethnography to explore the lived experiences of self and others. The three key areas of study are:

(i) the phenomenon of existence when someone is given a diagnosis of MND and in the context of receiving healthcare;
ii) the meaning of living with uncertainty for people diagnosed with MND; and
iii) the meaning of supporting a loved one with MND as they die.

The outcomes of this research have significantly contributed to knowledge through the publication of seven peer-reviewed papers:

 

Harris, D. (2021) Interpreting end-of-life experiences of the person with motor neurone disease. Palliative and Supportive Care, 1–2.

https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951521000699

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Harris, D.A. Jack, K. and Wibberley, C. (2023) The need to consider ‘temporality’ in person-centred care of people with motor neurone disease. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 29. In Press.

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Harris, D.A. Jack, K. and Wibberley, C. (2019) Making her end of life her own: further reflections on supporting a loved one with motor neurone disease. International Journal of Palliative Care Nursing, Vol 25, No.6, 284-292

https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2019.25.6.284

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Harris, D.A. Jack, K. and Wibberley, C. (2018) The meaning of living with uncertainty for people with motor neurone disease. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27, 2062-2071.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14350

 

Harris, D.A. (2017) Doing research drawing on the philosophy of existential hermeneutic phenomenology.  Palliative and Supportive Care 15, 267–269. 

https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951516000377

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Harris, D.A. (2017a) Supporting a loved one living with motor neurone disease. Palliative and Supportive Care 15, 141–142.

https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951516000134

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Harris, D.A. (2015) Lived-through past, experienced present, anticipated future: Understanding “existential loss” in the context of life-limiting illness. Palliative and Supportive Care 13, 1579–1594

https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951515000620

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The findings of the research are collated and integrated to develop a person-centred model of care that emphasises the need for MND professionals to acknowledge the temporal aspects of caring for a person with MND, and for their family carers.

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This body of work has been cited in 77 published papers:

‪Denise A Harris‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

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