Caring Touch--a Study of Violent Encounters in Psychiatric Care./Vard Som Beror--en Studie Av Valdsamma Moten Inom Psykiatrisk Vard (Nursing Science/Sykepleievitenskap/Omvardnadsforskning‪)‬

ABSTRACT Several studies indicate that threat and violence is present in health care settings, has problematic effects on nurses and other care providers and has increased over the last decade. The aim of the study reported here was to synthesize the results from three selected studies describing violent encounters within psychiatric care as experienced by carers and patients. The research is guided by a phenomenological and lifeworld theoretical approach. The analysis and synthesis of meaning are aimed at openness and meaning sensitivity through a reflective attitude characterised by the intent to bridle the process of understanding. The result may be conceptualized under the heading caring touch which imply encounters were carers are able to touch their patients at the same time as being touched, speaking both literally and figuratively. This caring touch takes place in a naked caring, and it is through naked caring and caring touch that carers are able to reach the patients and to give undisguised invitations to genuine presence. In the discussion some philosophical dimensions of touch are investigated and it is discussed how the naked encounter can be understood from a phenomenological ethical standpoint. The discussion also focuses on the caregivers' vulnerability and the high demands they are subjected to.