Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative study

Background: Acquired neurological diseases significantly alter the dynamics between patients and their caregiving relatives, particularly spouses. This study investigates how these disorders impact the patient-spouse relationship and assesses the role of healthcare professionals in shaping these dyn...

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Main Authors: Alexa von Bosse, Peter König, Eva Jansen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:SSM: Qualitative Research in Health
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667321525000083
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author Alexa von Bosse
Peter König
Eva Jansen
author_facet Alexa von Bosse
Peter König
Eva Jansen
author_sort Alexa von Bosse
collection DOAJ
description Background: Acquired neurological diseases significantly alter the dynamics between patients and their caregiving relatives, particularly spouses. This study investigates how these disorders impact the patient-spouse relationship and assesses the role of healthcare professionals in shaping these dynamics during long-term rehabilitation. Methods: We conducted three comprehensive, in-depth sequential analyses that focused on (1) patients, (2) spouses, and (3) both partners within their relationship. Using a dynamic interactionist approach, narrative interviews with couples provided insights from both partners on relationship dynamics. Data analysis followed the documentary method, emphasizing socio-genetic type building to classify patient, caregiver, and relationship types. Results: We identified four patient types, four caregiver types, and three relationship types, each with distinct social interaction patterns and specific rehabilitation needs. Our model, based on symbolic interactionism and Baxter's Relational Dialectics Theory, underscores the fluid and evolving nature of these roles. Patients and caregivers can transition between different types due to the chronic nature of the disorder and the social context of rehabilitation. Recognizing these shifts is essential for addressing relational and social aspects in therapy. Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity of acknowledging the dynamic and varied needs of patients and caregivers as well as the relationship dynamics. By understanding relationship types and interactions, healthcare professionals can develop personalized therapeutic strategies that enhance patient- and family-centred care, vital for improving rehabilitation outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-a0de6765731545a683dfd5210385a6162025-01-30T05:15:11ZengElsevierSSM: Qualitative Research in Health2667-32152025-06-017100530Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative studyAlexa von Bosse0Peter König1Eva Jansen2Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Furtwangen University. Department Health Safety Society, Furtwangen University, Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1, 78120, Furtwangen, Germany; Corresponding author. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.Furtwangen University. Department Health Safety Society, Furtwangen University, Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1, 78120, Furtwangen, GermanyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, GermanyBackground: Acquired neurological diseases significantly alter the dynamics between patients and their caregiving relatives, particularly spouses. This study investigates how these disorders impact the patient-spouse relationship and assesses the role of healthcare professionals in shaping these dynamics during long-term rehabilitation. Methods: We conducted three comprehensive, in-depth sequential analyses that focused on (1) patients, (2) spouses, and (3) both partners within their relationship. Using a dynamic interactionist approach, narrative interviews with couples provided insights from both partners on relationship dynamics. Data analysis followed the documentary method, emphasizing socio-genetic type building to classify patient, caregiver, and relationship types. Results: We identified four patient types, four caregiver types, and three relationship types, each with distinct social interaction patterns and specific rehabilitation needs. Our model, based on symbolic interactionism and Baxter's Relational Dialectics Theory, underscores the fluid and evolving nature of these roles. Patients and caregivers can transition between different types due to the chronic nature of the disorder and the social context of rehabilitation. Recognizing these shifts is essential for addressing relational and social aspects in therapy. Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity of acknowledging the dynamic and varied needs of patients and caregivers as well as the relationship dynamics. By understanding relationship types and interactions, healthcare professionals can develop personalized therapeutic strategies that enhance patient- and family-centred care, vital for improving rehabilitation outcomes.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667321525000083Chronic neurological diseaseFamily caregiversInformal caregiversHealth professionalsPatient-centredChronic illness
spellingShingle Alexa von Bosse
Peter König
Eva Jansen
Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative study
SSM: Qualitative Research in Health
Chronic neurological disease
Family caregivers
Informal caregivers
Health professionals
Patient-centred
Chronic illness
title Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative study
title_full Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative study
title_fullStr Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative study
title_short Couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long-term neurological rehabilitation: A hermeneutic qualitative study
title_sort couple dynamics and interaction needs with healthcare professionals in long term neurological rehabilitation a hermeneutic qualitative study
topic Chronic neurological disease
Family caregivers
Informal caregivers
Health professionals
Patient-centred
Chronic illness
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667321525000083
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