Feeling fixed and its contribution to patient satisfaction with primary angioplasty: a qualitative study

Primary angioplasty is being used increasingly as an alternative to intravenous thrombolysis for patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

To explore positive and negative views of patient and carer experiences of undergoing primary angioplasty.

We undertook semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=16). We identified a thematic framework from transcripts then coded data according to themes identified.

Participants were extremely positive about their experiences of primary angioplasty. They were impressed by the speed and efficiency of the process and their quick recovery from feeling extremely ill. Participants expressed a high degree of confidence in the procedure and many spoke of being 'fixed' following resolution of their symptoms. This may have been engendered by witnessing the procedure take place as well as successful treatment of a potentially fatal heart attack. The speed of resolution and feeling of being fixed led some participants to question whether they had actually had a heart attack.

The 'high-tech' efficient procedure of primary angioplasty and fast recovery contributes to high levels of patient satisfaction. The feeling of being fixed and lack of belief at having had a heart attack may have implications for uptake of rehabilitation and lifestyle changes following hospital discharge.