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Exploring Experiences of Hospitalised Angina Patients and their Partners: Insights from Participants in a Randomised Controlled Trial of the Angina Plan

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of angina patients and their partners during their admission and recovery who had recently participated in a Randomised controlled trial of the Angina Plan. Background: Angina patients are often admitted to hospital yet are often excluded from cardiac rehabilitation programmes. The Angina Plan, a facilitated self-help intervention based on cognitive behavioural therapy, was evaluated in a randomised controlled trial as a method of support post discharge. This study explored the experiences of those who did and did not receive the angina plan intervention. Design and method: A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews (n=8) and three focus groups was completed on participants in both arms of the randomised controlled trial who had completed their 6 month follow up. Interview data was recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed. Results: Three main themes emerged: 'Satisfaction with care: information and support', 'Impact of angina' and 'The Angina Plan as a tool for change.' Participants reported inadequate provision of information about their condition in hospital, feeling they had to actively seek the information they needed. Partners felt particularly excluded from information provision. Angina impacted on people's recovery in different ways, ranging from restrictions and disability to a determination not to be beaten by this condition. Angina Plan patients liked the comprehensive, accessible information provided, contact with services and the reassurance this offered and reported increased understanding of their condition and lifestyle change. In contrast standard care participants reported no lifestyle change and were more likely to express the need for further information and support during recovery. Conclusion: This study provided further insight into the recovery and rehabilitation needs of hospitalised angina patients and their partners. Relevance to clinical practice: This intervention may offer one solution to address this gap in current care provision.

Stella Zetta*, Karen Smith, Charles Hendry, Paul Allcoat and Martyn Jones

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