Client perceptions of engaging with a health and social care navigation service: A qualitative study.

This study aimed to describe client perspectives of engaging with a health and social care navigation service in a NZ metropolitan city. METHODS: The manager and navigators of the service recruited clients who were previous users of the service. We individually interviewed nine clients (F = 7; M = 2; aged between 30-80 years) in their homes. Many of the participants reported social isolation, and some were without regular income. We transcribed interviews verbatim and analysed data thematically. RESULTS: There was one overall theme: Restoration of my essence or being (in the Māori language, wairua), and sense of belonging (turangawaewae) through a regenerative approach developed in partnership between the navigator and the client. Thus, participants felt renewed and validated as human beings. DISCUSSION: Enabling clients to feel re-valued as human beings captures the concept of personhood whereby a person has capability and capacity for life choices. We suggest enabling a client to feel valued assists in development of self-determination and consequently improved health and well-being. PMID: 32727202 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Chronic Illness - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Chronic Illn Source Type: research