Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9650
Title: Voices from the field of rehabilitation : an exploration of the need for counselling services in health care rehabilitation settings in Malta
Authors: Martinelli, Sharon
Keywords: Medical personnel -- Mental health
Medical rehabilitation
Phenomenological psychology
Issue Date: 2012
Abstract: This research study sought to explore the need for counselling services in health care rehabilitation settings in Malta through voices from the respective settings. The voices expressed a need for counselling services in such settings. This is congruent with the evidence found in international literature. The literature indicates that this role already prevalent in many countries as for example, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The counsellors’ role in rehabilitation, also known as rehabilitation counselling as a specific role in the health context, is indeed widely advocated in the literature. A qualitative explorative phenomenological approach was used. Data was collected through three focus groups, comprising health professionals, patients, family members or carers which secured data source triangulation, thus enhancing credibility and completeness of the findings. Data was analysed through thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six stepped approach. The three main themes arising from the data were: (i) A journey in quest for meaning, (ii)The real and the ideal - teamwork and approaches to care, (iii) The counsellor’s role. The data illustrated how meaning making was influenced by different facets; personality, lived experiences, perceptions of health and illness, the existential meaning of life, personal and informational uncertainty. The self in the system and culture, beliefs and spirituality also influenced meaning making, and also influenced the healing and rehabilitation process. Data revealed that the traditional approach to care is still the dominant approach to care in the studied settings. The counsellor’s role in rehabilitation setting was thus indicated. Service providers acknowledged the need of timely counselling services for both patients and formal and informal care providers. They also expressed the need for training of basic counselling skills across all health care professions. In addition the findings showed that there needs to be further education to professionals, the general public, and policy makers regarding the actual role of the counsellor. Areas for further development in service provision and research initiatives are presented.
Description: M.COUNSELLING
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/9650
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacSoW - 2012
Dissertations - FacSoWCou - 2012

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