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Published on: November 4, 2015
Pulmonary oedema -- a life threatening disease
Inger Ekman1, Lena Ekstrand, Maria Schaufelberger
1Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Patients experiencing pulmonary oedema, often linked to heart conditions, face a high mortality risk and significant anxiety. Regular monitoring is crucial for these patients with poor prognoses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Patient Experience Research
Background:
- Acute pulmonary oedema is a critical condition often associated with underlying cardiac issues.
- Understanding the patient's perspective on their condition and treatment is vital for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the health history of patients following pulmonary oedema.
- To explore patient perceptions of their illness, treatment, and the impact on daily life.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 44 patients treated for acute pulmonary oedema.
- Semi-structured interviews with patients to gather insights into their lived experiences.
Main Results:
- A high one-year mortality rate of 65% was observed.
- Most patients had pre-existing heart conditions.
- Patient interviews revealed themes of breathlessness, reliance on healthcare providers, medication ambivalence, existential concerns, and the impact of comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary oedema patients typically have multiple cardiac conditions and a grave prognosis.
- The experience of pulmonary oedema is psychologically distressing, necessitating close patient monitoring.
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