Should I stay or should I go? An exploration of the decision-making behavior of acute cardiac patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

BackgroundDuring the SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic efforts to reduce virus transmission resulted in non-emergency patients being deterred from seeking help. The number of patients presenting with acute cardiac conditions reduced, significantly ObjectivesTo explore the decision-making process, and influential factors in that process, of patients and their family during an acute cardiac event. MethodsA qualitative research design was employed using purposive sampling of patients who experienced an acute cardiac event during the social containment mandates. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with thematic analysis of interview transcripts. ResultsTwenty-five participants were recruited from three UK hospitals. Themes identified were reliance on informal support network, lack of awareness of cardiac symptoms leading to delayed help-seeking, and an indirect COVID-19 effect (e.g. avoiding treatment). ConclusionsThese results highlight the need for informed public health messages, targeting patients and their support networks, that allow those in need of treatment to access care.