Phenomenological research on anticoagulation-related self-management behavior in rehabilitation period for patients with heart valves replacement

Abstract

Objective To explore the status quo of knowledge, belief, and practice of anticoagulation-related self-management in rehabilitation period for patients with haeat valves replacement. Methods Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenology was used as qualitative research method. Twenty patients who had undergone heart valves replacement operation were selected and interviewed. The results of interview were analyzed with category analysis. Results After repeated self-examination, comparison, and summery, four themes were refined, including patients lack anticoagulation-related knowledge and skills in rehabilitation period, the levels of patients' attitudes and beliefs varied greatly, patients' compliance of self-management behavior and taking medicine was low, there were limited channels to get anticoagulation-related information in rehabilitation period. Conclusions More attention should be paid to patients for anticoagulation management after valve replacement operation, especially to those of low literacy, older age, and rural area. Nurses should implement the specific health education about anticoagulation management to patients during discharge guide and following-up period to minimize complications, promote the survival rate, and improve their quality of life. Key words: Heart valves; Replacement; Anticoagulation; Self-management; Phenomenological research