Octogenarian preferences and expectations for acute coronary syndrome treatment

Abstract

Background: The number of elderly persons with cardiovascular disease is increasing. In Sweden, the incidence of acute myocardial infarction is the highest among individuals aged 85 years and over. However, there is still little evidence about whether this population benefits from established treatments. Furthermore, the values and preferences of octogenarians (age ⩾80 years), as well as how they could be involved in treatment decisions, have been largely overlooked in research. Overall, increased knowledge about the preferences and expectations of octogenarians is needed to incorporate their treatment expectations into the decision-making process. Aims: This study aimed to describe the treatment choice preferences and post-treatment life expectations of octogenarians with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A total of 19 patients (eight women, 11 men) aged 80 years and older and diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina were enrolled in this qualitative study. Data were collected between May 2011 and June 2013 through semistructured interviews. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: We identified two main categories: Wanting the best and Hope for increased wellbeing. Participant preferences were influenced by their own and others’ previous experiences and their confidence in healthcare professionals. With respect to treatment outcomes, the participants hoped to get well, stay active, experience fewer symptoms and regain vitality. Conclusion: The studied octogenarians desired the best treatment option and trusted that their healthcare providers will make appropriate recommendations. These patients expected their treatment to result in increased wellbeing and fewer symptoms.

Ethical Challenges of Nonreading Older Adult Women’s Autonomy in Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Under Familial Paternalism in Taiwan

“…Second, NOAWs may become passively disengaged with their treatment because they are accustomed to submitting to what their family (typically, the family patriarch) has determined for them (Yung, 2015). Furthermore, NOAWs are often ignored or regarded as too incompetent to understand and consent to treatments in clinical settings (Widell et al, 2020). To our knowledge , the ethical conflict of a NOAW’s autonomy and engagement with her treatment in terms of decision making in the context of familial paternalism remains unclear.…”

Grounded theory: what makes a grounded theory study?

“…It gives insights in why particular phenomena occur or what underlying mechanisms are 1 . Over the past two years, the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing published 20 qualitative studies [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] . These studies used methods such as content analysis, ethnography, or phenomenology.…”