Are Patients Losing Their Chance of Survival Because They Are Unaware of Having a Myocardial Infarction? A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with myocardial infarction and their relatives. Methods: This qualitative and phenomenological study was conducted with 20 patients hospitalized due to the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and 15 relatives. A semi-structured interview form and data collection form including socio-demographic characteristics were used. The data of the study were collected using the in-depth individual interview method and were assessed using the phenomenological approach developed by Colaizzi. The researchers analyzed statements of the participants regarding their experiences and prepared categories and themes. Results: Three categories and seven themes emerged as a result of the data analysis. These categories included symptom experiences, views about death, transportation to health care facility. The statements of participants revealed that patients experienced various symptoms including sweating, chest pain, gastrointestinal system symptoms, shortness of breath, yellow and purple skin tone. It was also determined that they generally had a lack of knowledge about myocardial infarction symptoms, could not associate symptoms with myocardial infarction, attributed myocardial infarction to other matters, used various ineffective methods to cope with symptoms. The majority of the patients arrived at the health care facility by self-transport and some patients even drove themselves to the health care facility. Conclusion: Participants had a lack of knowledge about the symptoms of myocardial infarction and appropriate transport to the health care facility, for example, utilizing an ambulance. This, in turn, prolongs the period of prehospital delay that has an effect on the chance of survival and receiving an effective treatment.