Publications by year
2022
Rahtz E, Szaboova L, Guell C, Bell S (2022). P38 Nurturing and negotiating health and wellbeing in small businesses during Covid-19: a qualitative study. SSM Annual Scientific Meeting.
2021
Goldingay S, Dieppe P, Warber S, Rahtz E (2021). Nourishing exchanges. In (Ed) Spiritual, Religious, and Faith-Based Practices in Chronicity, 100-123.
Rahtz E, Warber SL, Goldingay S, Dieppe P (2021). Transcendent Experiences Among Pilgrims to Lourdes: a Qualitative Investigation.
J Relig Health,
60(6), 3788-3806.
Abstract:
Transcendent Experiences Among Pilgrims to Lourdes: a Qualitative Investigation.
Millions of pilgrims visit Lourdes each year, often seeking revitalisation rather than miraculous cures. We sought to understand the phenomenon of transcendent experiences. We spoke with 67 pilgrims including assisted pilgrims, young volunteers and medical staff. About two in five reported a transcendent experience: some felt they had communicated or had close contact with a divine presence, while others reported a powerful experience of something intangible and otherworldly. Transcendent experiences are an important feature of pilgrimage to Lourdes and the place offers the faithful a means of connecting with the divine, with nature and with the self.
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2019
Rahtz E, Child S, Knight S, Warber SL, Dieppe P (2019). Clients of UK healers: a mixed methods survey of their demography, health problems, and experiences of healing.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice,
35, 72-77.
Abstract:
Clients of UK healers: a mixed methods survey of their demography, health problems, and experiences of healing
Background: Healing has not been well researched, and very little is known about who goes to healers, and what they experience. Methods: a survey of UK-based healers was undertaken with the help of the Confederation of Healing Organisations, asking healers to report on up to 20 consultations. Forms asked about the demography of healer and client, reasons for the consultation, type of healing, and outcomes. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. Results: 278 returned forms from 39 healers (average age 58) were analysed. Healing was described as Spiritual (69%), Reiki (15%) or Energy (10%). The clients had an average age of 57, and 76% were women. The most common reasons for consulting were mental health problems and pain. 93% of the clients reported experiencing immediate benefits. Relaxation, improved wellbeing and relief of pain were often reported. In addition, 76 (27%) had some unusual sensory experiences during the session, such as feelings of warmth, seeing coloured lights, or tingling sensations. The majority of general comments about the experience were positive, and 68% made another appointment. Conclusions: Older people, particularly older women, are the main recipients of healing in the UK, and they go for help with many problems, particularly mental health issues and pain. The majority have a positive experience, and come back for more. In addition to relief of symptoms, many have sensory experiences which could indicate that some special type of interaction was taking place between healer and healee.
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Skinner HK, Rahtz E, Korszun A (2019). Interviews following physical trauma: a thematic analysis.
International Emergency Nursing,
42, 19-24.
Abstract:
Interviews following physical trauma: a thematic analysis
Introduction: Mental health problems are common in trauma survivors. In particular, depression, anxiety, acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yet little is known about how these can be brought to the early attention of medical professionals through patients’ accounts of trauma within days of being admitted to emergency care. This study aims to understand how physical trauma patients with early signs of psychological distress, stemming from the trauma, might be supported through their communications with healthcare professionals. Methods: 42 semi-structured interviews with trauma victims attending the Royal London Hospital Trauma Clinic, taken as part of a larger project, were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis method with a critical realist approach. Results: Four key themes were highlighted: Pain and Death, Positivity, Powerlessness, and Remembering and Blame, each with relating subthemes such as Facing Death, Heroism, Waiting Time and Self-blame. Discussion: the themes present within the data suggest that there are cues shared by trauma survivors that medical professionals should attend to with regard to the future mental health of their patients. Results may further equip nurses and clinical staff to spot early signs immediately and shortly after trauma.
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Rahtz E, Warber SL, Dieppe P (2019). Understanding public perceptions of healing: an arts-based qualitative study.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine,
45, 25-32.
Abstract:
Understanding public perceptions of healing: an arts-based qualitative study
Background: Most healing research has focussed on the views of healers, complementary and alternative medical (CAM)practitioners or medical professionals, and little is known about how the general public conceives of healing. Because healing is a complex and often abstract concept, we addressed this gap in the knowledge using creative qualitative approaches with members of the public. We aimed to elucidate the views of members of the public about their healing, to help offer a better understanding to healthcare professionals. Methods: Our qualitative arts-based drawing method invited people to respond using crayons and paper to the question ‘What does the word healing mean to you?’ These drawings were followed by a short recorded interview in which people explained their image. We used convenience sampling to approach members of the public visiting a large wellbeing show and a museum. We analysed images and interviews in tandem using a focus on metaphor. Results: We interviewed 59 people, including three children. Almost two thirds of participants were female. Participants’ images and interviews documented three main models of the healing process: i)Healing comes from a great external force, exemplified by the sun; ii)Healing comes from other people, whether medical professionals, CAM practitioners or healers; and iii)Healing comes from within, and the individual has the ability to self-heal. People described practices and inner states that could help achieve healing. Some people depicted more than one model, demonstrating the interlinkages between the models, and some described the outcome of healing (wholeness)rather than the process. Conclusions: the drawing-based approach encouraged an intuitive way of thinking, capturing concepts that cannot easily be verbalised. Members of the public have nuanced, complex understandings of the concept of healing, and these echo historical and modern concepts of healing and healthcare. The models our participants described often interlink, suggesting an overarching framework for the way people conceive of healing. The findings may be useful both as a guide to further research and as insight that may facilitate healthcare processes.
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2018
Rahtz E, Bhui K, Hutchison I, Korszun A (2018). Are facial injuries really different? an observational cohort study comparing appearance concern and psychological distress in facial trauma and non-facial trauma patients. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 71(1), 62-71.
2017
Rahtz E (2017). The psychological impact of gang violence.
Abstract:
The psychological impact of gang violence
Violent crime can lead to terrible physical injuries and death. But it also has a significant psychological impact, which is often forgotten. People injured through violence are six times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than people injured in accidents, according to our research. They are three times more likely to suffer from depression.
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Rahtz E, Bonnell S, Goldingay S, Warber S, Dieppe P (2017). Transformational Changes in Health Status: a Qualitative Exploration of Healing Moments.
Explore (NY),
13(5), 298-305.
Abstract:
Transformational Changes in Health Status: a Qualitative Exploration of Healing Moments.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dramatic self-change is a familiar concept within religious experience and is recognized within psychotherapy and some fields of nursing. However, it has been given limited consideration in wider health research, including healing research. We sought to explore the phenomenon of "healing moments". METHODS: Alternative medicine practitioners attending a continuing professional development course for healers within the UK's Holistic Health Show were shown a 10min video clip showing two of the authors discussing healing moments. Sixty-nine (69) of the practitioners then provided "short stories" outlining their own experiences of such moments. Both the video and the short stories were analyzed qualitatively using a thematic approach. We sought to evaluate holistic practitioners' perceptions of the concept of healing moments. RESULTS: the concept of healing moments was widely accepted by the 69 participants. An overarching theme of transformational change described personal shifts that ranged from the sudden and quasimiraculous to transient but much-needed improvements in health and wellbeing. Three subordinate themes of connectivity, quiescence and control were identified. Connectivity described intense connections, experienced through touch, empathy and love, which could provide reciprocal benefits for healers as well as clients. Quiescence captured the quiet, calm atmosphere that pervaded many healing episodes. The contrasting aspects of control encompassed healers relinquishing control to channel healing, and clients seizing control to become empowered in their own healing process. CONCLUSION: Healing moments are a recognized and distinct concept within healing, although they remain under-explored in the literature. Our findings suggest that such experiences are common among alternative medicine practitioners. The concepts we uncovered can inform future research.
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Rahtz E, Bhui K, Smuk M, Hutchison I, Korszun A (2017). Violent injury predicts poor psychological outcomes after traumatic injury in a hard-to-reach population: an observational cohort study. BMJ Open, 7
2015
Rahtz E (2015). The gang member who taught me the truth about street violence.
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Rahtz E (2015). The trauma of trauma: a prospective study of psychological distress following physical injury.
Abstract:
The trauma of trauma: a prospective study of psychological distress following physical injury
Background: People who experience physical trauma face a range of psychosocial outcomes. These may be overlooked by busy clinicians. While some risk factors are understood, our understanding of the psychological effects of violent injury remains limited. Furthermore, there has been little research on the effect of facial trauma. Although changes to appearance can be distressing, the effects of these have not been studied in traumatic injury patients.
Aims: to establish the prevalence and persistence of psychological distress and appearance concerns following injury. To compare the psychological outcomes in i) violent and accidental injury and ii) facial and other injury, and iii) to identify explanatory risk factors for psychological distress.
Methods: Participants were adults admitted to the Royal London Hospital with traumatic injuries. Two hundred and twenty five participants (225) completed questionnaires in hospital. Follow up was at three months (N = 100) and six months (N = 112). Standardised measures were used to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSS) (Acute Stress Disorder Scale, PTSD Checklist), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and appearance concern (Derriford Appearance Scale). Explanatory measures were collected, including history of mental health. Data were analysed in logistic and linear regressions, using multilevel models.
Results: PTSS and depressive symptoms affected 28% and 33% respectively at baseline. At six months, 27% and 31% respectively reported these symptoms. After adjusting for demographic factors, violent injury was associated with increased PTSS (OR 6.44, CI 1.75 to 23.75), depressive symptoms (OR 4.78, CI 1.41 to 16.18) and appearance concern (?? 2.78, CI 0.09 to 5.47). A history of
mental health problems increased distress.
Conclusions: There were high levels of psychological distress in this sample. Violent injury was associated with a complex interaction of social and psychological factors. People vulnerable to distress may benefit from psychological support. Hospital admission provides a unique opportunity to engage them in interventions.
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2014
Rahtz E, Hutchison I, Bhui K, Korszun A (2014). OP87 Psychological distress following facial injury: a prospective study. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 68(Suppl 1), A43.1-A43.
Rahtz E (2014). Psychological distress and appearance concerns following facial injury.
Abstract:
Psychological distress and appearance concerns following facial injury
Background: People who suffer facial injury face a range of psychosocial issues. While standards of surgical treatment to restore function and appearance continue to improve, psychological problems may be overlooked in busy clinics, and facial trauma patients are at risk of acute and post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Changes to appearance can be distressing and can impede the return to normal quality of life; they can also exacerbate problems by reminding patients of traumatic events.
Methods: This is a prospective study of patients treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons following injury. Participants were assessed at baseline for symptoms of acute stress (ASDS: Acute Stress Disorder Scale), psychological distress (HADS: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and appearance concerns (DAS24: Derriford Appearance Scale).
Findings: Data from 106 patients showed that 29 per cent experienced symptoms indicative of acute stress disorder. Twenty nine (29) per cent and 48 per cent respectively experienced clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. Those experiencing clinically significant levels of distress on the ASDS or HADS had higher levels of appearance concern on the DAS24 (M=40, SD=13.6), compared with those without significant distress (M=26, SD=7.6). Acute stress symptoms significantly predicted DAS24 scores =-.590, t(76)=6.409, p
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Shiraz F, Rahtz E, Bhui K, Hutchison I, Korszun A (2014). Quality of life, psychological wellbeing and treatment needs of trauma and head and neck cancer patients.
Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg,
52(6), 513-517.
Abstract:
Quality of life, psychological wellbeing and treatment needs of trauma and head and neck cancer patients.
There is increasing evidence that patients treated for trauma or cancer of the head and neck may go on to experience psychological distress. We aimed to measure the impact of this on their quality of life (QoL) and to explore their willingness to be referred for psychological support. A total of 96 patients with facial injuries and 124 with cancer of the head and neck completed a self-reported questionnaire to identify psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) Scale), quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF), satisfaction with treatment, and willingness to accept psychological support. Thirty-nine percent of patients showed high levels of depressive symptoms and 43% reported high levels of anxiety; 43% in the trauma group and 12% in the cancer group had high ASD scores. Patients with high scores on the HADS reported poorer QoL, and 40% of those with high levels of psychological distress were willing to consider psychological support. Despite the fact that patients report high levels of satisfaction with their medical and surgical care, many have psychological problems and have needs that are not being met. A large proportion would use psychological support services.
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Rahtz E (2014). Saving Face: Enfacement, Shame, Theology – book reviewed by Emmylou Rahtz.
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2013
Rahtz E (2013). Psychological distress following traumatic facial injury in an East London population.
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