Patients' and relatives' thoughts and actions during and after symptom presentation for an acute myocardial infarction

• BACKGROUND: Relatives play an important role in deciding to seek medical care after the onset of symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gain deeper understanding of how AMI patients and their relatives think and act during and after onset of symptoms. METHODS: Six focus group interviews were conducted with AMI patients (N=13) and relatives (N=14). Manifest content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data. RESULTS: The AMI patients experienced a variety of symptoms and both patients and relatives often felt uncertain about the origin of the symptoms, interpreted them as less serious conditions and tried to alleviate the discomfort in various ways. When symptoms continued the patients consulted a relative, who often decided to seek care. Many considered waiting for an ambulance was too long and the relative often drove the patients to the hospital. CONCLUSION: Patients as well as relatives were insecure about AMI symptoms and how to act. All patients contacted a relative, who was more eager than the patient to seek help. Many preferred to go in their own car to the hospital, believing it to be faster than an ambulance. Information about AMI symptoms and recommended action should be given to the public and to AMI patients and their relatives.

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MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)