A Phenomenological Study of Hospital Readmissions of Chinese Older People With COPD

Hospital readmission is prevalent among older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies in this area have primarily identified the associated factors. A thorough understanding of the issue can be achieved by interpreting the related experiences in its context. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of hospital readmissions of Chinese older people with COPD.

The lived experience of hospital readmissions was acquired through descriptive phenomenology. Unstructured interviews were conducted with 22 Chinese older people readmitted to a hospital for COPD. Narrative descriptions were analyzed using the phenomenological method described by Giorgi.

Six constituents emerged from the general structure of the lived experience. "Refraining from unnecessary readmissions" describes how older people manage COPD in relation to hospital readmissions. "Craving for survival" explains why they seek hospital readmissions. "Feeling disregarded and powerless" and "being conscious of relieving burden to families" characterize their experience of hospital readmissions. "Resigning to hospital readmissions" illustrates how they understand the phenomenon, and "living for the moment" illuminates how they live with these experiences. These constituents are interrelated in meaningful ways and comprise the whole phenomenon of hospital readmissions.

The Chinese older people's experience revealed that hospital readmissions are complex experiences shaped by their sociocultural context. Older people appear to accept and cope well with hospital readmissions. However, this study uncovered their unmet needs, which may undermine their dignity. The findings of this study offer implications for promoting wellness among Chinese older people with COPD.