Should I stay or should I go? An exploration of the decision-making behavior of acute cardiac patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Burton, S ORCID: 0000-0003-3823-3275, Hayes, JA, Morrell-Scott, N, Sanders, J, Walthall, H, Wright, DJ and Jones, ID (2021) Should I stay or should I go? An exploration of the decision-making behavior of acute cardiac patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. HEART & LUNG, 52. pp. 16-21.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.07.018

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>During the SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic efforts to reduce virus transmission resulted in non-emergency patients being deterred from seeking help. The number of patients presenting with acute cardiac conditions reduced, significantly OBJECTIVES: To explore the decision-making process, and influential factors in that process, of patients and their family during an acute cardiac event.<h4>Methods</h4>A qualitative research design was employed using purposive sampling of patients who experienced an acute cardiac event during the social containment mandates. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with thematic analysis of interview transcripts.<h4>Results</h4>Twenty-five participants were recruited from three UK hospitals. Themes identified were reliance on informal support network, lack of awareness of cardiac symptoms leading to delayed help-seeking, and an indirect COVID-19 effect (e.g. avoiding treatment).<h4>Conclusions</h4>These results highlight the need for informed public health messages, targeting patients and their support networks, that allow those in need of treatment to access care.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Decision making, Public health, COVID 19, Myocardial infarction, Heart failure, Cardiac surgery
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	24 Mar 2022 10:36
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 21:06
DOI:	10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.07.018
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3151402