[Hepatitis C! Experience in diagnosis and medical treatment. A literature review].
Chronic hepatitis C can have physical, psychological or emotional effects on a person. The chronic infection can result in an advanced liver disease and/or influence daily life and self-perception. Today, the possibility to eliminate the virus exists but the therapy is difficult, a decrease in quality of life is known. Anyway, the sustained viral response isn't achievable for everyone. Care in Switzerland usually takes place in the outpatient clinics. Nurse participation to improve self-management is in discussion. For this specific work knowledge of patient's perception is crucial. A literature review was done to answer two questions: "What is the experience of the illness 'chronic hepatitis C'?" and additionally "What has to be managed when undergoing treatment?". A literature search was conducted in the databases of Pubmed and CINAHL. Seven qualitative studies were included. Diagnosis, contagion, illness, stigmatisation and fatigue are central themes and can influence each other. Discussion about treatment and the decision for it seems to be ambiguous. Patients feel reduced to their disease and demand for individual interventions especially for their experience with their illness. A targeted assessment seems important to appreciate their needs in each situation.
Gastroenterologie/Hepatologie, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Germany. patrizia.kuenzler@kssg.ch
Patrizia
P
Künzler-Heule
Eva-Maria
EM
Panfil
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012648:Self Care; D012803:Sick Role
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a