The experiences of patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: a qualitative exploration

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research study to explore potential unmet needs of patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.The study sought in-depth data from the patients' perspectives, and in particular the psychosocial data, absent from the current literature.This study addressed the paucity of information on patients' perceptions of the experience of undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and looked for fresh insights regarding the journey from diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, intervention, recovery and the postdischarge needs of this patient group.The study used a Grounded Theory approach and data were collected by face-to-face interviews, conducted at the participants' homes.The setting for recruitment of participants to this study was a large tertiary, acute private hospital in Brisbane, Australia.Participants were recruited from the coronary care unit, which comprised four beds for the first three months of data collection and increased capacity to eight beds for the final three months.Five key themes emerged from the interview analysis: misconceptions regarding causes; the overall percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty experience was not stressful; two procedures could double concerns; pain and anxiety as a result of manual digital pressure; and lack of post discharge advice and support.It was concluded that the overall experience of undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and insertion of stents was a very positive one.However, while patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty need support and education, both before and after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and cardiac rehabilitation may be important to their well-being post-discharge, in reality there is a danger this patient group could receive scant support before the procedure, hurried and potentially ineffective education from nurses without specific health promotion credentials afterwards, and often no followup at all once they leave hospital.Further research into the effectiveness of current in-house education is needed.Novel service approaches may be necessary to tailor education to individual patient needs.