[Can specific verbal descriptors be useful in differentiating those with and without MI? Findings from a two-year...

This paper discusses the findings of a two-year study, which was based in an eleven-bedded coronary care unit in the South-West of England. The study aimed to explore the difference between the verbal descriptors used by those with and without MI in order to determine their contribution in assessing patients with a suspected MI. The study also examined whether any differences existed between the words men and women with MI used to describe their chest pain symptoms. All patients admitted with an episode of chest pain were eligible to participate providing that they were pain-free at 24 hours after admission, were over 18 years of age and could speak English. The sample comprised of 266 patients with MI and 275 without MI. All patients were offered a menu of 12 sensory and 10 effective words, which had been validated in previous research. The results suggest that there is little difference in the words patients with and without MI use to describe their chest pain and this may reinforce the complexity in obtaining an accurate differential diagnosis. However, there are some clear differences in the vocabulary of men and women with MI. Women with MI appeared to report more emotive language than men and expressed their chest pain in terms of being "frightened" (p < 0.05) and "terrified" (21.1 % vs 12.1 %). The discussion will examine the methodological issues and possible practice implications for the future.