Experiences of Patients Living With Heart Failure: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences, needs, and coping strategies of patients living with heart failure in Singapore. A descriptive qualitative design was used. A purposive sample of 15 informants was recruited from two cardiology wards of a tertiary public hospital in Singapore. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with a semistructured interview guideline that was developed based on a review of the literature and a pilot study. Content analysis was adopted to analyze the data, and four main categories were identified: perceived causes, manifestations, and prognosis; enduring emotions; managing the condition; and needs from health care professionals. The informants were overwhelmed with the experience of living with heart failure due to the disruptive and uncertain nature of the condition. This study offers health care professionals practical and useful suggestions when providing holistic care for patients with heart failure.
National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Alvin Chuen Wei
AC
Seah
University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
Khoon Kiat
KK
Tan
National University Hospital, Singapore.
Juvena Chew
JC
Huang Gan
National University of Singapore, Singapore nurww@nus.edu.sg.
Wenru
W
Wang
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000066498:Emotional Adjustment; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012846:Singapore; D035502:Trust
coping strategies; descriptive qualitative research; experiences; heart failure; needs