Double PhD defence T.H.G.F.M. (Erik) Gallé and J.J. (John) Luijten

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

The central question of our research is 'how to organize dignified caring.' In this dissertation, we investigate for a period of three years how three healthcare organizations enable dignified caring, involving both boards and care workers. We adopt a combined practice-based approach and a care-ethical orientation, considering caring (including governing and organizing) as a flow of actions situated within one of the various practices that constitute a healthcare organization. Our focus is on the care practices (the frontline) and the governing practice (the board). Our central question is how these practices – in interaction with each other – are acting in such a way to enable dignified caring.

When is dignified caring possible? We distinguish instrumental caring based on goal-means rationality (taking care off) and interactive caring based on the individual client's needs (taking care for). Both cannot be separated from each other, as they are interwoven and interdependent. Our research reveals that the tension filled combination of these forms of action in relation to the client's situation is crucial in determining the possibility of dignified caring.
What is dignified caring? To answer this question, we conceptually differentiate seven categories of action that, according to our literature review, contribute to dignified caring. Using these categories as a focus we conducted research employing various practice-based methods.

From the analysis of our research data, we identified three types of care practices, each characterized by differences in the balance between instrumental and interactive caring. Furthermore, we found that the governing practice also plays a role in shaping this balance in care practices. Within the seven action categories, we identified mechanisms that influence the eventual possibility of dignified caring.

Organizing dignified caring is a double-edged sword. In our research, we observed that care providers find meaning in their work through interacting with clients, making dignified caring more appealing in the context of providing long-term caring to clients in need.