The Nordic tradition of caring science has had a significant influence on healthcare research, healthcare education and clinical development in the Nordic countries from 1990 to the present. Theoretical contributions from the professors and scientists Katie Eriksson, Kari Martinsen and Karin Dahlberg form the basis for this paper. The tradition has established a paradigm of ethics, ontology and epistemology for the caring science domain. Short introductions present the scientific background of Eriksson, Martinsen, and Dahlberg, and show how interpretive teamwork has led to the formation of an intertwining of the essential qualities of the theories. The synthesis emphasizes caring science as a human science, and views caring as a natural phenomenon where the patient's world, vulnerability, health, and suffering are primary. In the art and act of caring, relationships and dialogue are essential; they provide parameters where caring becomes visible in its absence.

Anthroposophic health care is rooted in the work of Steiner and Wegman in Switzerland during the 1920s. The Swedish hospital in this study offers integrated conventional and anthroposophic health care therapies which are conceptualized as an extended and integrative variant of health care and not as CAM. In anthroposophic care, health is viewed as a matter of body, soul and spirit in balance. Therapeutic resources include nursing care, therapeutic conduct (art and body therapies) and medicines based on natural remedies. This study aims to deepen the understanding of what constitutes good care from a patient's perspective to alleviate patients' suffering and to identify clinical markers for good care. As anthroposophic care is associated with theory and holistic ideas, this study aims at exploring whether or not anthroposophic care has a beneficial effect. A qualitative method was used, and the analysis was conducted with a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Sixteen former patients, of whom nine were diagnosed with various kinds of cancer and seven with burnout syndrome, were interviewed regarding their experience of anthroposophic care. Patients especially noted the benefits of the holistic caring environment; the empathetic approach and true caring offered, as well as the peaceful atmosphere and rest. A turning point or shift in perspectives, implying a home coming in relation to inner aspects was discussed as an outcome. Although patients in general were overwhelmingly impressed and positive they were also ambivalent. One interpretation is that there is a gap between the anthroposophic and conventional paradigm that affects patients negatively. As mutual scepticism still prevents any real integration between integrative and conventional care, the onus appears to be on the patient to take the risk and act as bridge-builder. From a caring science perspective, the study shows that appropriation of specific values and theory makes it possible to create a true caring culture.

These nine concepts were found to be interrelated with the advanced concept of mediating care, which emphasizes that mediating care calls for an authenticity of being and ability--an ability to be present to self and others in the dynamism of openness and frames of thought.

Ranheim A, Kärner A, Arman M, Rehnsfeldt AW, Berterö C. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 241–247
Embodied reflection in practice—‘Touching the core of caring’ A study was performed with the aim of clarifying the integration of the caring act of touch with reflection on caring theory. Seven participant nurses in elderly care volunteered as ‘coresearchers’ and performed a caring act called Rhythmical Embrocation, together with reflective dialogues on caring theory. The project lasted for 6 months and at the end qualitative interviews with participants were used to evaluate the study. The findings showed an opening of awareness, embodied moments of presence and an extended ability to act creatively in caring. In this study, the movement between theory and practice was the integration of the caring act with reflection on basic caring concepts. Implications for praxis development are that implementation and reflection by teams over certain caring acts might open the door to an expanded view of one's own caring ability that in the long run will benefit the patient.

Purpose: Encounters between health care professionals, parents and children in health care services for children are complex as these encounters involve the various perspective and understanding of each person involved. The aim of the study is to describe health care professionals’ understanding of significant encounters with children and parents to uncover the meaning of participation. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was applied. The health care professionals’ narratives (n = 35) of their significant encounters with children were interpreted from the perspective of participation. A phenomenological-hermeneutical approach was used in the analysis. Results: The findings show children’s participation as a dynamic movement in mutuality and alienation which can vary within a situation or between different situations involving the same persons. The movement can occur in mutuality and or in alienation depending on what or towards whom the persons direct themselves. Understanding participation as a movement in health care situations is useful in supporting children’s opportunities to participate from their own perspective and deal with health care examinations. Conclusion: The outcome of a situation can never be predicted. Still, professionals can be aware of their actions in encounters with children.