Challenges Experienced by Iranian Patients with Temporary Transvenous Cardiac Pacemakers: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background: One of the main causes of mortality in patients with heart disease is arrhythmia. A temporary pacemaker is inserted to control arrhythmias, particularly when an intervention is urgently needed. Since this procedure is not benign, patients might experience many challenges. As the first step in the development of nursing interventions, identifying these experiences can help reinforce evidence in this field and enhance the quality of nursing care. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by patients with temporary transvenous cardiac pacemakers (TTCPs). Methods: This qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study was conducted on 18 patients with pacemakers who were selected by purposive sampling. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. All the interviews were recorded and simultaneously analyzed via van Manen’s analytical method. Results: The results of data analysis resulted in three major themes: "Disregard for patient’s dignity”, “dependent life”, and "physical and psychological problems”. Conclusions: This study showed the challenges of patients with TTCPs. This group of patients is facing challenges related to the care and hospitalization matter and facing an uncertain future. Therefore, there is a need to pay more attention to patients' needs during hospitalization, such as informing patients about the procedure, respecting patients’ dignity and rights, and controlling physical and psychological problems.