The impact of advanced heart failure on social, psychological and existential aspects and personhood.
BACKGROUND
Heart failure is a common cause of death and causes significant morbidity in its advanced stage. As the illness progresses, lack of physical health may overshadow psychological, social and existential distress.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the impact of advanced heart failure on other aspects of the patients' lives.


METHODS
We undertook a secondary analysis of interview data generated for a qualitative longitudinal study looking at the experiences of patients with advanced heart failure, and their family and professional carers. A sub set of patient, family and professional carer interview transcripts was selected for thematic analysis. The sample was chosen to reflect a range of age, gender and social situations.


RESULTS
Eighteen transcripts from five cases were examined. Three key themes were identified: 1) social isolation; 2) psychological issues and coping strategies; and 3) existential concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychosocial and existential issues are important aspects of the lives of patients suffering from heart failure. Holistic management should encompass an awareness of exploration and support for these dimensions.
1University of Oxford, UK.
Amy
A
Leeming
Scott A
SA
Murray
Marilyn
M
Kendall
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D064946:Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D028723:Personhood; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology
Heart failure; existential; palliative care; psychological; qualitative research; social needs