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Living with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: Decent Care‐Insufficient Medical and Genetic Information A Qualitative Study of MEN 1 Patients in a Swedish Hospital
Author(s) -
Strømsvik Nina,
Nordin Karin,
Berglund Gunilla,
Engebretsen Lars F.,
Hansson Mats G.,
Gjengedal Eva
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-006-9047-2
Subject(s) - qualitative research , men1 , genetic counseling , quality of life (healthcare) , medicine , public health , health care , family medicine , clinical psychology , gerontology , psychology , nursing , endocrine system , social science , economics , genetics , economic growth , sociology , biology , hormone
This qualitative study explores how 29 Swedish patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) experience living with the condition, appraisal of the clinical follow‐up program, and surveys their future expectations. The aim of this study is to build knowledge about this patient group in order to provide optimal care. The participants describe physical, psychological, and social limitations in their daily activities and how these limitations influence quality of life. Our findings indicate that a majority of patients have adjusted to their situation, describing themselves as being healthy despite physical symptoms and treatment. The participants received decent care in the clinical follow‐up program, ‐ however, greater effort should be put into patient information. These patients might benefit from genetic counseling. Health professionals involved should recognize their potential impact and influence on a patient's ability to adjust to these circumstances. Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence theory is used to discuss these findings.