[The experience and coping of primary coronary intervention: a review of qualitative studies]

Over the years, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been established as a superior emergency treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in comparison to intravenous thrombolysis. This literature review is based on four qualitative studies and describes how patients with STEMI experience the acute phase of myocardial infarction with immediate PCI and how it affects their early recovery phase. Qualitative analysis in this study followed Noblit and Hare's method of metasynthesis. The results ascertained a correlation between the seriousness of the diagnosis and the quickness of treatment. PCI offers patients immediate pain relief. The patients' trust in the professionalism of the medical team becomes apparent through their passive participation during treatment. Although patients experience a quick recovery after PCI, they lack adequate information to completely understand their diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The patients feel having been cured by PCI, but continue to fear another myocardial infarction. The patients try to establish a new life routine, but report a lack of continuity in their healthcare provision. The results indicate that after PCI patients experience recurring changes of their perspective regarding their illness and well-being. Therefore, a comprehensive, sustained, and more patient-oriented approach regarding treatment in the early recovery phase is recommended.