Key result
Qualitative interviews with 25 spouses of CHD patients identified five main categories of support roles: the Participator, Regulator, Observer, Insufficient, and Disassociated.
Observational (n=25)
Spouses adopt distinct supportive roles (Participator, Regulator, Observer, Insufficient, Disassociated) during the rehabilitation phase of coronary heart disease, highlighting the varied psychosocial dynamics that may impact patient lifestyle changes.
Spouses' perspectives on support may guide family-inclusive post-CHD care; leaves open optimal implementation in routine rehabilitation.
Introduction: Family presence is extremely important for recovery after an event of coronary heart disease (CHD). Unmarried/not socially integrated patients exhibit a greater risk of death, new events of CHD or a poorer psychosocial recovery compared to those married or socially integrated. Practical spouse support has been linked with self-esteem and mastery after a myocardial infarction. Knowledge on how spouses view their role in this process is limited. Aim: To investigate spouses' views on their supportive role in the rehabilitation phase of CHD approximately 1 year after the event. Focus was on lifestyle changes in everyday situations. Method: A strategical selection of spouses (17 women, eight men) was interviewed. Of the patients, 18 had experienced MI and 19 had undergone revascularisation. Interviews were taped and transcripts analysed according to contextual analysis. Results: Based on spouses' descriptions, three aspects were discerned: Supportive and communicative strategies, and attitudes to lifestyle changes. Support components were practical, cognitive, passive, incapable, controlling, and reluctant. Components of communication were encouraging/listening and authoritative/admonishing. Attitudes to lifestyle changes were positive or negative. Internal relations between components of the aspects yielded five main categories, which portrayed their support: the Participator acts practically, communicates empathetically and is positive to changes. The Regulator is positive or negative and supports practically or cognitively to control, with an authoritative communication. The Observer is passive, acts compliantly if the partner suggests and communicates empathetically. The Insufficient is positive to changes, communicates without demands and feels unable to support due to own problems. The Disassociated is negative to changes and authoritatively declares a reluctance to be involved in the partner's lifestyle.
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Kärner et al. (2003) conducted an observational in Coronary heart disease (spouses of patients) (n=25). Spousal support role was evaluated on Spouses' views on their supportive role and attitudes to lifestyle changes. Qualitative interviews with 25 spouses of CHD patients identified five main categories of support roles: the Participator, Regulator, Observer, Insufficient, and Disassociated.
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