Background: This article explores the significant role of religious tourism as a catalyst for economic growth in destination Topol'cianky. The Scapular pilgrimage in Topol'cianky is one of the oldest in Central Europe. Its history dates back to the 17th century. Methods: Qualitative and also quantitative research methodology was used to conduct this researchA. Semi-structured interviews with destination stakeholders, representatives of the church and the Topol'cianky municipality, as well as with inhabitants, were used to collect data. A questionnaire focused on the spendings of pilgrimage visitors to Topol'cianky was also used to collect data. Results: Spending structures of pilgrimage's visitors change in favor of destination development over the years. Nowadays, visitors do not take part just in pilgrimage, however, they more often look for spending their time with visiting and experiencing more of the destination. Conclusion: The conducted research forms the basis for further research on the socio-economic implications of religious tourism in Central Europe. The findings of the research can be beneficial for destination representatives to build destination and new tourism products on the foundations of Christian pilgrimage.
Background: The article, based on research undertaken, explores the experiences of social workers in selected hospice care facilities within the Czech and Slovak Republics A. Methods: The primary objective of the research was to identify the activities involved in the work of social workers (respondents) in selected hospice care facilities in the Czech and Slovak Republics. A specific objective was to determine the methods used by the respondents in working with clients and their families . The research was undertaken utilizing qualitative research strategies A. Results: The activities included in the respondents' work can be divided into formal and informal forms of interaction with clients and their families A. Formal work includes providing social counselling, legal advice, engaging in conversations with the clients, and identifying their needs and wishes A. Informal work encompasses tasks such as maintaining client documentation in hospice care facilities and developing care plans A. The respondents reported using the following methods in their work with clients: social counselling, verbal and non-verbal communication, validation, reminiscence, aromatherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and bibliotherapy. Conclusion: Performing similar studies can help emphasize the importance of the role of social workers in hospice care facilities within a Czech and Slovak environment A.
Background: The article provides a concise examination of the benefits of canine-assisted therapy for children and seniors, highlighting its effectiveness as either a primary or complementary therapeutic approachA. It also draws on the implementation of current canine-assisted therapy sessions conducted at the Centre for Children and Families and the Facility for the Elderly in Skalica. Conclusion: Similar articles may serve as a foundation for further research exploring specific aspects of the benefits of canistherapy for diverse target groups within the Slovak environment.
Background: The article highlights the importance of the implementation of rituals associated with the end of life during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular pointing out the consequences resulting from failure to perform these rituals . Methods: Data were collected using a qualitative research design, as the chosen method was a personal case study. The selected technique was a semi-structured interview with five respondents . The entry criterion for the research was that participants had to be survivors who lost close relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, either in a hospital or on the way to a hospital. The results were analyzed according to thematic analysis recommendations, using Atlas.ti software. Results: Research highlights the importance of performing the rituals associated with the end of life . Failure to perform these rituals poses a high risk of complicated grief. From the perspective of the bereaved respondents, a wide range of consequences were observed, particularly in the psychosocial, spiritual, and physical domains. Conclusion: The extent of the impact caused by the inability to perform these rituals can be so profound that it is not easily manageable without professional help and support. Psychosocial and spiritual support from professionals completely failed during the pandemic . Further research should focus on promoting the digitalization of healthcare and improving access to telecommunications/telemedicine. It should also address enhancing the expertise of healthcare workers and increasing information literacy among the older patient population . Additionally, research should be directed toward strategies for developing palliative care under challenging epidemiological conditions.
