Open AccessA wolf in sheep's clothing? Patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of oxygen therapy: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Author(s) -
Kelly Carol A.,
Lynes Dave,
O'Brien Mary R.,
Shaw Ben
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.12571
Subject(s) - panacea (medicine) , perception , enabling , medicine , interpretative phenomenological analysis , health professionals , oxygen therapy , clothing , health care , nursing , oxygen , psychotherapist , psychology , qualitative research , alternative medicine , political science , psychiatry , sociology , social science , chemistry , organic chemistry , pathology , neuroscience , law
Background Despite emerging evidence and guidelines, poor prescribing and administration of oxygen therapy persists. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) and patients’ perceptions of oxygen. Design Semi‐structured interviews with 28 patients and 34 HCPs. Findings Three master themes uncovered: oxygen as a panacea, the burden of oxygen and antecedents to beliefs . Patients used oxygen for breathlessness and as an enabler; they were grateful to oxygen and accepted it as part of the disease. HCPs used oxygen because it helps patients; it works; and it makes HCPs feel better. But oxygen is not benign and a burden is evident with potential antecedents to beliefs revealed. Summary The findings suggest that a set of fixed beliefs regarding oxygen exist, influenced by several impacting factors. The perception that oxygen is a universal remedy presides, but is, at times, contradictory. These findings will raise awareness of entrenched cultures, influence future educational and research strategies, and inform policy.