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Health-related quality of life after myocardial infarction: an interview study
Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2001.01809.x
1365-2648/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=72caa588188e172287872de248564542d5ec1b2e "Journal of Advanced Nursing")
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How to Cite
Roebuck, A. , Furze, G. and Thompson, D. R. (2001), Health-related quality of life after myocardial infarction: an interview study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 34: 787–794. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.2001.01809.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 20 DEC 2001
- Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001
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Keywords:
- myocardial infarction;
- health-related quality of life;
- interview study;
- general practice information;
- hospital discharge
Health-related quality of life after myocardial infarction: an interview study
Aim. 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.