Experiences and actions during the decision making process among men with a first acute myocardial infarction
Susanne Nielsen1, Kristin Falk, Anna Gyberg
1Susanne Nielsen, MSc PhD Student, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Kristin Falk, PhD Senior Lecturer, Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Anna Gyberg, MSc Faculty of Education, Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Sylvia Määttä, PhDAdjunct Senior Lecturer, Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Lena Björck, PhD Senior Lecturer, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Institute of Health and Care Sciences, and Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Men experiencing a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) often delay seeking care due to vague symptoms and difficulty interpreting information. Recognizing these subtle signs is crucial for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Decision-Making
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Hesitancy to seek medical attention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms is documented.
- The specific reasons and decision-making processes leading to delayed care for a first AMI remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the actions and experiences of men during the process of seeking medical attention for a first AMI.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology was employed.
- Interviews were conducted with 21 men (aged 39-73) hospitalized with a first AMI.
- Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently.
Main Results:
- Men reported experiencing vague, insidious symptoms not initially associated with AMI, causing uncertainty and reluctance to seek care.
- Difficulty interpreting online health information complicated symptom assessment.
- Comparing various early-stage experiences served as a critical turning point, prompting recognition of illness severity and need for action.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers must acknowledge the subtle, varied symptoms men experience during a first AMI, especially when clinical signs are minimal.
- Greater emphasis should be placed on patient narratives in diagnosis.
- Healthcare resources, particularly online, should consider how laypeople interpret information when addressing AMI symptom recognition.
Background:
Previous studies have shown that people hesitate to seek medical attention when experiencing the initial symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the reasons why and the events underpinning the decision-making process are unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the actions and experiences involved in the process of seeking medical attention in men with a first AMI.
Methods:
We studied 21 men, aged 39-73 years, hospitalized with a first AMI between May 2011 and March 2013. All were interviewed in the coronary unit before discharge, with one exception. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously in accordance with grounded theory methodology.
Results:
Men diagnosed with a first AMI experienced a spectrum of insidious and vague symptoms, which they did not associate with an AMI. This caused uncertainty in how to interpret symptom severity and contributed to a reluctance to seek medical care. Participants also had difficulty interpreting online information when seeking to explain their symptoms. Weighing up and comparing the various experiences during the early stages of AMI proved to be the trigger that changed the men's perspectives and made them aware of the abnormality, the severity of their illness, and the need for action.
Conclusion:
Healthcare professionals should be aware that men experience a range of insidious and vague symptoms during their first AMI and must give greater emphasis to their narratives, particularly when objective clinical signs are limited or absent. Consideration should be given to the ways laypeople interpret online information when designing healthcare resources for the Internet.
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