The illness experiences of patients after a first time myocardial infarction.
The purpose of this study was to investigate illness experiences of patients after a first myocardial infarction (MI), focusing on life situation and the recovery process over time. Thirty patients were interviewed within the first 3 days of hospitalisation, and again 17 weeks after discharge. The interviews were tape-recorded verbatim and the transcriptions were analysed and categorised using qualitative content analysis. The main category was Uncertainty of the life situation that was combined with and articulated the superior theme in both interviews. Analyses revealed uncertainty focused on problems related to: treatment-seeking behaviour; existential threat; preventing another coronary and need for knowledge and support, which the patients considered important for their case and future life. The findings are fundamental for the health care when education and counselling are planned and challenge health care personnel to listen to MI-patients' own experiences.
Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. birte@sundbaek.net
Birte Ostergaard
BO
Jensen
Kerstin
K
Petersson
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003289:Convalescence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035501:Uncertainty