Diagnosed and living with fibromuscular dysplasia: A qualitative inquiry

Sherry M Bumpus1, Christa Kuck2, Steven T Heidt2

  • 1Eastern Michigan University, School of Nursing, Ypsilanti, MI, USA sherry.bumpus@emich.edu.

Insights

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) significantly impacts patients' daily lives, causing psychological, physical, and social challenges. Understanding these patient experiences is crucial for improving care and addressing underdiagnosed concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Patient-Reported Outcomes
  • Qualitative Health Research

Background:

  • Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a vascular disorder with increasing recognition of its disease process and epidemiology.
  • While FMD's clinical manifestations like hypertension and stroke are known, its impact on patients' daily lives and mental health remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize the lived experiences of individuals with Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) from a patient perspective.
  • To explore the multifaceted challenges faced by FMD patients in their daily lives.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative inquiry utilizing semi-structured interviews.
  • Content analysis of verbatim transcripts from 19 FMD patients (18 female, 1 male).

Main Results:

  • FMD patients reported a wide range of interconnected psychological, physical, emotional, and social concerns.
  • These reported issues suggest potential underdiagnosis and highlight unmet patient needs.
  • Patient experiences reveal significant health care concerns requiring attention.

Conclusions:

  • The study underscores the complex and often underdiagnosed impact of FMD on patients' well-being.
  • Findings provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions and enhancing patient-centered care strategies for FMD.
  • Further research is needed to validate and address the identified patient concerns.

Related Concept Videos