Lived experiences of the disease journey among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of the disease journey and patients' care needs with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sampling of IPF patients admitted to the department of respiratory medicine in a tertiary hospital in Beijing. Interview data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. In the end, 16 patients were interviewed.

Results

Four themes emerged from the qualitative data included the long and confusing journey to reach a diagnosis, living with the disease, understanding the disease and treatment and desire for continuity of care. A series of subthemes were also identified, including uncertainty of diagnosis, delaying the process, living with

SUBMITTER: Lyu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8105533 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature