The physical and psychological well-being after a pulmonary embolism across age and comorbidities – Evidence from focus group interviews

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the psychological and physical consequences of having experienced a pulmonary embolism (PE), and most patients with PE are not offered proper follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To gain qualitative insight into the physical and psychological well-being across age and comorbidities and to investigate the patients need for rehabilitative strategies in patients with PE. METHODS: Qualitative data was obtained through focus group interviews. Patients were recruited from an outpatient thrombosis clinic at Herlev and Gentofte hospital in Denmark, based on the principles of maximum variation strategy which included age, concomitant disease, risk factors for pulmonary embolism (pregnancy, infection, cancer, and recurrence). Data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 17 participants being interviewed. Results showed that a significant degree of symptoms was experienced after PE. The emotional reactions experienced was largely affected by disease experience, and varied according to age, cancer status and PE in relation to pregnancy. Anticoagulation therapy was perceived as a life saver, yet it also contributed to a perception of being chronically ill, illustrating a medication conundrum. Lastly, confusion and frustration regarding follow-up care was prominent with a perception of limited guidance and limited information about potential rehabilitation strategies following PE. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the patients' experiences, worries and needs are different according to age and comorbidities, which indicates that interventions aimed at improving outcomes for these patients should be targeted accordingly.