RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 31 ’I’m fine’: exploring patient and carer assertions of status in advanced COPD and clinical implications
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP A359
OP A359
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001407.31
VO 7
IS 3
A1 Caroline Moore
A1 Anita Carole Gardener
A1 Morag Farquhar
A1 Gail Ewing
A1 Robbie Duschinsky
YR 2017
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/7/3/A359.1.abstract
AB Introduction Patients can be reluctant to say that they need help and support, telling clinicians they are ‘’fine’’ despite having unmet needs. Research with patients in mental health settings suggests that when patients do this they are less likely to follow their treatment plans, and that their informal carers may be at a risk of depression. To date these findings have not been explored in patients with advancing physical health conditions or their carers.Aim To explore the presence and role of “I’m Fine” or equivalent assertions for patients with advanced COPD and their carers; and to examine the impact denials of support needs may have on their health and service-use.Methods Criteria based on Attachment Theory was used to identify ‘I’m Fine’ cases from the Living with Breathlessness Study (LWB) dataset of 235 patient and 115 carer qualitative interview transcripts. Data will be further analysed to explore discourses within cases using a Framework approach.Results Patients and carers who asserted they were ‘fine’ and not in need of further clinical support despite unmet needs had a distinct profile. Patients’ self-management attitudes and beliefs included minimising the effects and symptoms towards COPD, avoidance of thinking about the future and using stoical language in an attempt to downplay experiences. Carers focused on the needs of the patient whilst downplaying their own problems or distress.Conclusion Better understanding of the processes and implications of assertions of status will support future work on interventions to support patients and carers.