Å leve i forhandlinger - pasienterfaringer av å vaere i den diagnostiske prosessen med å få
diagnosen KOLS
Sammanfattning
Background: The shame of a self-inflicted disease is a reason
for delaying taking the initiative to seek medical advice.
Experiences of self-blame and helplessness undermine patients’
sense of control and contribute to poor self-management.
The aim of this study is to illuminate patients’ lived experiences
of being in the diagnostic process of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD).
Method: A phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis was
applied in the interpretation of interviews with eight persons
diagnosed with mild or moderate COPD.
Results: One main theme «living in negotiation» and three
subthemes «living with a body out of step with the diagnosis»,
«dealing with the past» and «being challenged by the future»
reflected the process participants were living through in their
quest for acceptance and a new balance in life. The diagnosis
itself was «a slap in the face». Shame and guilt related to
the diagnosis had origins in the past. This interfered with the
present moment and gave rise to uncertainty for the future.
Conclusion: The diagnosis seems to be a breakdown of life,
which puts life itself at stake. The diagnosis should be communicated
face-to-face, clearly and with empathy, and followed
by information about COPD. In order to support the patient,
an openhearted attitude and lifeworld knowledge are required.
Healthcare professionals should allow time, listen to the
patient´s narrative, and thus develop a shared understanding
of the temporal aspect of the illness and patients’ needs and
concerns. Thus, good communication is essential in determining
whether the patient remains in negotiation or enters a process
towards acceptance and new understanding.