Exploring patients’ and relatives’ needs following acute myocardial infarction—A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background For patients after acute myocardial infarction, a gap exists in Austrian care in the early period following hospital discharge. The patients’ and their relatives’ perspectives are crucial for developing nursing interventions. Objective To investigate patients’ and their relatives’ experiences from the onset of acute myocardial infarction symptoms until the early period following hospital discharge. Methods This qualitative study used in-depth individual and couple interviews with acute myocardial infarction patients (n = 14) and their relatives (n = 7) for data collection and a phenomenological hermeneutical analysis method. Results Four phenomena, i.e., “Understanding of living with heart disease,” “Omnipresent anxiety,” “Being there for each other,” and “Being understood as an individual,” showed participants’ needs. “Understanding of living with heart disease” described the process participants underwent to understand coronary heart disease, including the sub-phenomena of “Perceiving having heart disease,” “Getting familiar with heart disease,” and “Living life against the backdrop of heart disease.” It implied the participants’ strong need to get information on disease causes at the individual level and reshape their lives after the event to ensure a normal life. Conclusion Healthcare professionals should involve patients and their relatives in care and provide communication based on their needs. Such endeavors may allow those affected to understand coronary heart disease and prepare for and adapt to the needed lifestyle changes. Nursing interventions that consider the four phenomena highlighted in this study may ensure enhanced care for those affected in their lives after acute myocardial infarction, improving nursing care quality.