title: Difficult encounters with a hemophilic patient: the inner perspective of physicians.
abstract: This study aimed at exploring the hematologists' internal representation of a difficult encounter with a hemophilic patient, using a written open format. Narrations were analyzed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three main issues were identified, each with sub-issues: (1) Inside the relationship: to tell or not to tell, the balance between a normal life and a deviant medical condition, the guilt; (2) The borders of the professional role: professional values, the "do-it-all" doctor; and (3) The existential confrontation. This study reveals the deep involvement of physicians with their patients, at a professional level and, strongly, at a personal level. The experience of being so deeply involved should be considered in the continuing medical programs for physicians dealing with hemophilia.
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy San Paolo University Hospital, Italy elena.vegni@unimi.it.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vegni
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leone
authors.affiliation: Hemophilia Centre of Cesena Hospital, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Biasoli
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy San Paolo University Hospital, Italy.
authors.forename: Egidio A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Moja
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014342:Truth Disclosure
keywords: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis; hematologists’ representation; hemophilia; physician’s attitude; qualitative research