Abstrakt
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Patients with AF often experience debilitating symptoms, stress and reduced health-related quality of life. Previous qualitative research on AF has primarily focused on the patient. AF, however, can also be burdensome for the patient's family.
AIM: The aim of this study was to explore how family members experience life when a close member in the family has AF.
METHOD: Transcribed focus group interviews were analysed using content analysis approach inspired by Graneheim and Lundman.
RESULTS: Two focus group interviews were conducted with 11 family members. The overall theme was Dancing with AF. The theme emerged from three categories: 1) Handling AF as a living condition, 2) Influencing the roles of family members, 3) Fear of AF attack. AF had a very significant impact on the patients' family members, forcing them to reconstruct their daily lives.
CONCLUSIONS: AF has multiple consequences for family members and can give rise to conflicts concerning family roles. Family members have a lack of knowledge of AF and fear of how AF can cause changes in the family members' everyday lives. This study demonstrates that there is a need for further research of ways to support the family members of patients with AF.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Artikelnummer | e0254130 |
Tidsskrift | PLoS One |
Vol/bind | 16 |
Udgave nummer | 7 |
Sider (fra-til) | 1-13 |
Antal sider | 13 |
ISSN | 1932-6203 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 6 jul. 2021 |