Understanding fear and anxiety in patients at the time of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

Halpin, David, Hyland, Michael E., Blake, Susan, Seamark, Clare, Pinnuck, Margaret, Ward, David, Whalley, Ben, Greaves, Colin, Hawkins, Adam and Seamark, David (2015) Understanding fear and anxiety in patients at the time of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study. JRSM Open, 6 (12). p. 205427041561454. ISSN 2054-2704

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Abstract

Objectives To determine the importance of fear and anxiety at the time of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To assess the influence of carers and health professionals on this fear and anxiety. Design A qualitative study to elicit the views of patients and their carers during a hospital admission for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Setting Interviews were conducted in a District General Hospital. Participants Twenty patients were interviewed shortly after admission to hospital with an exacerbation. Main outcome measures Key themes were identified using cross-sectional thematic analysis of transcripts where commonalities and differences were identified. Results Four themes emerged: panic and fear; anxiety management techniques used during an exacerbation; intervention from family members and carers; response to medical services. Conclusion Panic and fear are important emotions prior to admission. Many patients recognised the link between panic-fear and a worsening of symptoms, and some were able to use self-management techniques to reduce their panic-fear. Some relatives were seen as helping and others exacerbating the symptoms of panic-fear. The emergency services were seen as positive: providing reassurance and a sense of safety. How best to help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease manage panic and fear remains a challenge.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Article also available open access through the publisher link provided
Keywords: other respiratory disease/medicine, respiratory medicine, clinical
Depositing User: Ms Kerry Kellaway
Date Deposited: 02 Aug 2019 09:48
Last Modified: 02 Aug 2019 09:48
URI: https://marjon.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17446
Related URLs: https://journal ... 054270415614543 (Publisher URL)

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