Abstract
Purpose: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), accounts for approximately 7000 deaths in Ireland each year. The diagnosis has major implications for an individual in terms of health and social gain, quality of life and living and adapting to a chronic illness. The diagnosis requires an individual to undertake lifestyle changes such as changes to diet pattern, smoking habit, exercise pattern and stress management. The purpose of this study was to explore patients' perspectives of making lifestyle changes 6 weeks following AMI.
Method: A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken. Ten participants were interviewed six weeks following discharge from hospital about their experiences. Data was collected using in depth interviewing. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: lifestyle warning signs, taking responsibility for lifestyle changes, professional support and looking forward to the future.
Results: Findings offer insight into the everyday realities which patients experience regarding lifestyle changes following AMI. Patients were aware of the impact of their negative lifestyle on their health but appeared powerless to make changes prior to the myocardial infarction. The cardiac event motivated them to try to make lifestyle changes but it was more difficult than they anticipated. Particular difficulties were found in the areas of quitting cigarettes and stress management. In addition, participants appeared to be instigating too many changes at once. Overall, participants did not seem to have any concept of primary health care or the benefits of seeking or receiving continued professional advice and guidance in the community.
Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for health professionals to
Develop individualised multi disciplinary team approach based on individual needs assessment Develop Primary Care Services to establish a support network for patients Extend Cardiac Rehabilitation Services to all cardiac patients Re evaluate public media campaigns to assess effectiveness in making behavioural changes Develop stress management courses for both patients and staff