The Well-Being of Relatives of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Critical Incident Technique Analysis

Abstract

Background: The well-being of relatives of patients having chronic heart diseases (CHD) has been found to be negatively affected by the patient’s condition. Studies examining relatives of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) indicate that their well-being may be affected in a similar manner, but further research is needed. Aim: To explore and describe critical incidents in which relatives of patients experience how AF affects their well-being and what actions they take to handle these situations. Design and method: An explorative, descriptive design based on the critical incident technique (CIT) was used. Interviews were conducted with 19 relatives (14 women and five men) of patients hospitalised in southern Sweden due to acute symptoms of the AF. Results: The well-being of relatives was found to be affected by their worries (patient-related health), as well as the sacri-ficing of their own needs (self-related health). In handling their own well-being, these relatives adjusted to and supported the patient (practical involvement), along with adjusting their own feelings and responding to the mood of the patients (emotional involvement). Conclusion: The well-being of relatives of patients with AF was affected depending on the patients’ well-being. In their attempt to handle their own well-being, the relatives adjusted to and supported the patients. Further research is needed in order to evaluate the effects of support to relatives and patients respectively and together.

The heart is a representation of life: an exploration of illness beliefs in couples living with atrial fibrillation

“…, Ekblad et al . ). This is consistent with the findings of the present study, which revealed that couples with AF expressed causative factors to explain the trajectory of AF, such as heredity and previous lifestyle/activities.…”

Patients’ experiences 1–6 months after atrial fibrillation ablation: An holistic perspective

“…Likewise, Ekblad et al. () also described the relatives of patients with AF being worried about the patient's health and anxiety when they engaged in activities that demanded physical exertion. This was based on their beliefs that exertion damaged the heart (Ekblad et al., ).…”

“…| 151 describe that living with AF not only affect the sufferers but also affects the well-being of the partner or close relatives (Bohnen et al, 2011;Dalteg, Benzein, Sandgren, Fridlund, & Malm, 2014;Ekblad, Malm, Fridlund, Conlon, & Rönning, 2014). Social coping support can also be lacking (McCabe, Schumacher, et al, 2011).…”

“…Along the same lines, Ekblad et al (2013) described that patients had difficulties sharing their experiences with their loved ones. Likewise, Ekblad et al (2014) also described the relatives of patients with AF being worried about the patient's health and anxiety when they engaged in activities that demanded physical exertion. This was based on their beliefs that exertion damaged the heart (Ekblad et al, 2014).…”

“…The experience of AF in the sociocultural dimension can manifest as disruptions in ongoing close relationships. Patients and their close relatives and friends describe that living with AF not only affect the sufferers but also affects the well‐being of the partner or close relatives (Bohnen et al., ; Dalteg, Benzein, Sandgren, Fridlund, & Malm, ; Ekblad, Malm, Fridlund, Conlon, & Rönning, ). Social coping support can also be lacking (McCabe, Schumacher, et al., ).…”