Psychological experience of inpatients with acute pancreatitis: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to better understand the psychological experiences of inpatients with acute pancreatitis (AP).DesignWe used a qualitative descriptive study design to capture patients with AP’s thoughts, feelings and behavioural responses.SettingWe conducted this study in the gastroenterology departments of two tertiary hospitals in Eastern China.ParticipantsWe used a convenience sampling approach to recruit 28 inpatients with AP from 1 August 2020 to 25 December 2020. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We employed an adapted version of Colaizzi’s qualitative analysis approach to examine the data.ResultsWe extracted three themes and eight subthemes regarding the participants’ psychological experiences: (1) feeling that their disease is unpredictable (the inability to recognise the disease, uncertainty about the illness and fear of progression or recurrence); (2) various kinds of stress and support (feeling different degrees of stress, perceiving social support, seeking and craving social support); and (3) developing self-adaptability in the disease process (treating one’s illness negatively or positively).ConclusionsCognitive and emotional responses vary in patients with AP during hospitalisation. Moreover, patients with distinct conditions demonstrate significant differences in their responses and coping mechanisms. Healthcare providers need to mobilise social support and formulate comprehensive intervention strategies according to patients’ individual characteristics.

The effect of anxiety and depression on the health-related quality of life of severe acute pancreatitis survivors: structural equation modeling approach

“…Pain, digestive symptoms are among the causes of depression ( 35 ). In addition, lack of knowledge about pancreatitis, uncertainty about the disease and fear of recurrence, life stress and lack of family support can all contribute to emotional exhaustion ( 36 ). These patients may present with fatigue, feelings of helplessness, lack of interest in things, guilt and shame and despair ( 37 ).…”

Psychometric validation of the fear of progression questionnaire-short form in acute pancreatitis patients

“…In qualitative studies, Fear of pain and special treatments, worry about work and the burden on family members were often mentioned by patients with AP [ 8 , 16 ]. Besides, a qualitative study was conducted in 28 AP patients, they also expressed the fear of disease recurrence and further deteriorate, and they had to change their living habits to prevent a recurrence of the disease [ 13 ]. The contents of fear in AP patients were basically consistent with the items of the FoP-Q-SF.…”

“…However, they are not used in acute diseases, and none of them, to our knowledge, specifically assessed FoP in AP patients. The FoP-Q-SF has been validated in a variety of diseases, and our qualitative studies reported that the fear content of patients with AP was similar to the items in the FoP-Q-SF [ 13 ]. In order to effectively observe the psychological effect of FoP in AP patients, we need a suitable assessment tool.…”

Health Literacy Needs of Acute Pancreatitis Patients During the Diagnosis and Treatment Process Under the Lens of the Timing It Right Theory: A Qualitative Study

“…This aligns with the discoveries made by Ma. 24 Prior research has indicated that competent psychological counseling can significantly alleviate patients' negative feelings, such as sadness and anxiety. It can also raise patients' self-efficacy, improve their compliance with treatment and nursing care, and facilitate positive changes in their health behaviors.…”