Experiences of living with symptomatic atrial fibrillation

• AIM: To explore the experiences of living with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.DESIGN: This study, with a descriptive qualitative adesign, was performed using semi-structured individual interviews.METHOD: Six women and nine men with symptomatic atrial fibrillation were included. The transcribed interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ checklist was followed.RESULTS: The analysis resulted in a main theme, namely balancing life and included the themes striving for illness control, becoming a receiver or an active partner in care and dealing with changed self-image. The participants strived to understand their illness, prevent attacks and manage anxiety. Some of the participants were not involved in decision-making, were uninformed about self-care measures, reported a lack of continuity in care and felt that the doctors focused on information about the medical part of care.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

atrial fibrillation

experiences

interviews

qualitative research

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)