title: The experience of couples being given an oxygen concentrator to use at home: A longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis.
abstract: This longitudinal study explores the lived experience of four couples where one person from each couple is prescribed an oxygen concentrator to use at home. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings reported here focus on two super-ordinate themes: 'the journey of acceptance' and 'negotiating changing relationships'. Participants described a gradual process of accepting the device into their lives, the impact on couple's relationships and the role that expectations have in mediating that process. These themes suggest that patient education that considers the psychological and social issues may prove useful in facilitating the acceptance process.
authors.affiliation: University of Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.affiliation: University of Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: University of Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharples
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: experience; interpretative phenomenological analysis; older person; respiratory problems; treatment