Abstract
To preserve the supportive capabilities of partners of heart failure (HF) patients, it is necessary to gain insight in the experiences and potential needs of these partners. Thirteen partners of HF patients participated in semistructured interviews specifically focused on their experiences as a partner. Patients had had HF for at least 18 months, and their partners were interviewed at home without the patient being present. Content analysis was used to organize the data and to identify categories and themes. Partners of HF patients experience several changes in life as reflected in the main themes: changes in life, changes in relationship, coping, and support. Partners support patients in their daily activities; they often change their own daily schedule and have to adjust joint activities. Regaining a new balance together is one of the challenges that couples face when confronted with HF. Anxiety is an important theme especially in the acute phase that can interfere with adequate coping strategies. Changes in relationship are related to difficulties in communication and sexuality. Although most partners seem to cope relatively well, the impact of HF on their lives is profound. Partners are vulnerable especially at the onset of the illness, and therefore, it is important to involve partners actively in the early process of rehabilitation and recognize their importance to the patient and their potential problems.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 131-137 |
| Journal | The Journal of cardiovascular nursing |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Feb 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- patients
- heart failure
- partners
- social support
Cite this
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Living with heart failure : partner perspectives. / Luttik, Marie Louise; Blaauwbroek, Amarins; Dijker, Anton; Jaarsma, Tiny.
In: The Journal of cardiovascular nursing, Vol. 22, No. 2, 24.02.2007, p. 131-137.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Living with heart failure
T2 - partner perspectives
AU - Luttik, Marie Louise
AU - Blaauwbroek, Amarins
AU - Dijker, Anton
AU - Jaarsma, Tiny
PY - 2007/2/24
Y1 - 2007/2/24
N2 - To preserve the supportive capabilities of partners of heart failure (HF) patients, it is necessary to gain insight in the experiences and potential needs of these partners. Thirteen partners of HF patients participated in semistructured interviews specifically focused on their experiences as a partner. Patients had had HF for at least 18 months, and their partners were interviewed at home without the patient being present. Content analysis was used to organize the data and to identify categories and themes. Partners of HF patients experience several changes in life as reflected in the main themes: changes in life, changes in relationship, coping, and support. Partners support patients in their daily activities; they often change their own daily schedule and have to adjust joint activities. Regaining a new balance together is one of the challenges that couples face when confronted with HF. Anxiety is an important theme especially in the acute phase that can interfere with adequate coping strategies. Changes in relationship are related to difficulties in communication and sexuality. Although most partners seem to cope relatively well, the impact of HF on their lives is profound. Partners are vulnerable especially at the onset of the illness, and therefore, it is important to involve partners actively in the early process of rehabilitation and recognize their importance to the patient and their potential problems.
AB - To preserve the supportive capabilities of partners of heart failure (HF) patients, it is necessary to gain insight in the experiences and potential needs of these partners. Thirteen partners of HF patients participated in semistructured interviews specifically focused on their experiences as a partner. Patients had had HF for at least 18 months, and their partners were interviewed at home without the patient being present. Content analysis was used to organize the data and to identify categories and themes. Partners of HF patients experience several changes in life as reflected in the main themes: changes in life, changes in relationship, coping, and support. Partners support patients in their daily activities; they often change their own daily schedule and have to adjust joint activities. Regaining a new balance together is one of the challenges that couples face when confronted with HF. Anxiety is an important theme especially in the acute phase that can interfere with adequate coping strategies. Changes in relationship are related to difficulties in communication and sexuality. Although most partners seem to cope relatively well, the impact of HF on their lives is profound. Partners are vulnerable especially at the onset of the illness, and therefore, it is important to involve partners actively in the early process of rehabilitation and recognize their importance to the patient and their potential problems.
KW - patients
KW - heart failure
KW - partners
KW - social support
KW - dagelijkse activiteiten
KW - adaptation, psychological
KW - bejaard, 80 jaar en ouder
KW - angst
KW - zorgverleners
KW - vrouwelijk
KW - gezondheidskennis, attitude
KW - hartfalen
KW - mensen
KW - interpersoonlijke relaties
KW - interviews als onderwerp
KW - levensveranderende gebeurtenissen
KW - mannelijk
KW - middelbaar
KW - kwalitatief onderzoek
KW - seksueel gedrag
KW - sociale steun
KW - echtgenoten
KW - tijdchrijftartikel
M3 - Article
VL - 22
SP - 131
EP - 137
JO - The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
JF - The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
SN - 0889-4655
IS - 2
ER -