Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
1006892445
Author
Price, Sheri L.(Sheri Lynn),1968-
Title
Struggling to preserve self identity : women's experiences with receiving a cardiovascular disease diagnosis following ambulatory cardiac catheterization.
Degree
M.N. -- Dalhousie University, 2001
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, [2002]
Description
2 microfiches
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death among Canadians and despite the fact that cardiac disease kills more women than men each year, there continues to be an under-representation of women in cardiovascular literature and research. A diagnosis of CVD carries life long implications patients and their families, which therefore necessitates an understanding of patient needs and concerns on the part of nurses and other health care professionals. Advances in technology and changes in cardiac care delivery have provided a more cost-effective approach to earlier diagnosis and treatment of CVD, as evidenced by ambulatory cardiac catheterization. However, time for individuals and families to learn how to effectively deal with the implications of this life threatening disease is compromised as access to health professionals, who can provide the necessary information and support, is limited. This qualitative study, using thematic analysis, describes the experiences of eight women who had received a cardiovascular disease diagnosis following ambulatory cardiac catheterization. The women were interviewed twice, once within 2 to 4 weeks of discharge home from hospital, and again over the next 4 to 6 weeks. Through the process of being diagnosed with CVD, the women described their struggle to preserve their self identity by maintaining a balance between the uncontrollable and controllable aspects of their illness. The findings reveal that the women struggle between the processes of "Becoming a Victim to the Cardiovascular Illness Experience" and "Maintaining Agency over the Cardiovascular Illness Experience". Their stories provide insight into the many factors that enable and hinder their quest to find balance. Implications for future research, nursing practice and education will be discussed in conclusion.
ISBN
0612666018
9780612666016