A qualitative study: perceptions of the psychosocial consequences and access to support after an acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe individuals' perceptions of the psychosocial consequences of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and of their access to support one year after the event.

METHODS

The study included 20 participants (14 men and six women) who lived in rural areas and had experienced their first AMI. Eleven were offered contact with a mentor. The participants were interviewed one year after their AMI.

RESULTS

The findings are presented in three themes: having a different life, having to manage the situation and having access to support, with 11 subthemes. During their recovery, the participants experienced psychosocial consequences, consisting of anxiety and the fear of being afflicted again. Most mentees appreciated their mentor and some of those without mentors wished they had received organised support. Participants were often more dissatisfied than satisfied with the follow-up provided during recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

After an AMI, follow-up is important during recovery, but the standardised information provided is inadequate. During recovery, people need help dealing with existential crises. After discharge, receiving peer support from lay people with similar experiences could be valuable. The knowledge gleaned from this study could be used in education at coronary care units and in health care outside the hospital setting.