This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences and issues central to patients with Addison’s disease when they are hospitalised due to an adrenal crisis. Interpretive phenomenology was used to explore and understand the experiences of six participants with a diagnosis of Addison’s disease who had experienced one or more adrenal crises. Their shared experiences were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Three key themes arose from the analysis that explained participants’ experiences: responding, adjusting, and learning. The ‘Addison’s and adrenal crisis patient experience model’ was developed to illustrate how responding, adjusting, and learning impact the patient experience. To support future patients with Addison’s disease, this inquiry recommends education for healthcare practitioners in primary care and secondary services, particularly medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, and nurses who are likely to to aid treatment of adrenal crises. The development of a support group for people living with Addison’s disease to be able to connect and share experiences, was suggested by the participants. This in conjunction with education programmes may prevent adrenal crises and hospitalisations. The development of a clinical guideline is recommended to best support and instil confidence for healthcare practitioners, their patients and families.
Details
Title
Addison’s Disease and Adrenal Crisis: A Phenomenological Study of the Patient Experience
Authors
Sarah L Fostekew (Author) - Waikato Institute of Technology
Patrea R Andersen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health
Isaac Amankwaa (Author) - Auckland University of Technology
Publication details
Nursing Praxis in Aotearoa New Zealand, Vol.39(2), pp.1-10
Publisher
Nursing Praxis in N.Z.
Date published
2023
DOI
10.36951/001c.90846
ISSN
2703-4542; 0112-7438
Copyright note
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CCBY-4.0). View this license’s legal deed at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 and legal code at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode for more information.
Organisation Unit
School of Health; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; Engage Research Lab