title: 'Because it kind of falls in between, doesn't it? Like an acute thing and a chronic': The psychological experience of anaphylaxis in adulthood.
abstract: Anaphylaxis is a serious, rare condition increasing in prevalence. This study explored the psychological experience of adult-onset anaphylaxis from patient, family and staff perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Two global themes emerged from thematic analysis: 'controllability' ('an unknown and distressing experience', 'the importance of control over triggers' and 'responsibility but no control: the impact on others') and 'conflict' ('rejecting illness identity', 'minimisation of risk', 'accessing specialist care: running in slow motion' and 'patient-centred versus service-centred care'). Findings highlight the importance of perceived control and emphasise the presence of conflict in the experience of this complex, episodic condition.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Worcester, UK.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Walklet
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Worcester, UK.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Worcester, UK.
authors.forename: Eleanor
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Worcester, UK.
authors.forename: Berenice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mahoney
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Worcester, UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scurlock-Evans
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Worcester, UK.|2 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Hickey
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: acute illness; adults; anaphylaxis; chronic illness; illness perception; qualitative methods