Feeling fixed and its contribution to patient satisfaction with primary angioplasty: a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
Primary angioplasty is being used increasingly as an alternative to intravenous thrombolysis for patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.


OBJECTIVE
To explore positive and negative views of patient and carer experiences of undergoing primary angioplasty.


METHODS
We undertook semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=16). We identified a thematic framework from transcripts then coded data according to themes identified.


RESULTS
Participants were extremely positive about their experiences of primary angioplasty. They were impressed by the speed and efficiency of the process and their quick recovery from feeling extremely ill. Participants expressed a high degree of confidence in the procedure and many spoke of being 'fixed' following resolution of their symptoms. This may have been engendered by witnessing the procedure take place as well as successful treatment of a potentially fatal heart attack. The speed of resolution and feeling of being fixed led some participants to question whether they had actually had a heart attack.


CONCLUSIONS
The 'high-tech' efficient procedure of primary angioplasty and fast recovery contributes to high levels of patient satisfaction. The feeling of being fixed and lack of belief at having had a heart attack may have implications for uptake of rehabilitation and lifestyle changes following hospital discharge.
Sampson
Fiona
F
Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK. f.c.sampson@sheffield.ac.uk
O'Cathain
Alicia
A
Goodacre
Steve
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D017060:Patient Satisfaction