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Health‐related quality of life after myocardial infarction: an interview study
Author(s) -
Roebuck Alun,
Furze Gill,
Thompson David R.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2001.01809.x
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , feeling , myocardial infarction , qualitative research , content analysis , family medicine , psychology , nursing , psychiatry , social psychology , social science , sociology
Health‐related quality of life after myocardial infarction: an interview studyAim. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and gain insights into the effects of myocardial infarction on health‐related quality of life. Background. The study was undertaken as part of a larger on‐going project to develop and validate a disease‐specific health‐related quality of life instrument suitable for use with patients after myocardial infarction. Methods. A consecutive sample of 31 patients admitted to a district general hospital in the North of England was recruited and interviewed at home. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted based on a guide developed from a review of the literature pertaining to quality of life and expert opinion. Interviews were audio‐taperecorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were subjected to latent and manifest content analysis and inter‐rater reliability was confirmed by a researcher not involved with the interview process. Findings. Analysis of the data revealed seven major categories: physical activity/symptoms; insecurity; emotional reactions; dependency; lifestyle modification; concern over medication; and side‐effects. Breathlessness, insecurity and feelings of over‐protection were major problems, as was dissatisfaction with information and support. Conclusion. Myocardial infarction resulted in a variety of health‐related problems which affected quality of life. Systematic monitoring and evaluation of health status should be performed routinely. This is likely to be aided by the development and use of a health‐related quality of life instrument for this patient group.