Farmasøytisk oppfølging av pasienter med hjertesykdom : en kvalitativ studie av pasientenes erfaringer.

Abstract

This thesis is part of a randomized controlled trial at the University Hospital of Northern Norway (UNN). The aim of the thesis was to get a deeper understanding of how patients experience pharmaceutical follow-up and to examine the factors that the patient perspective is of importance in the follow-up. This study included 4 patients with cardiovascular disease, and was based on qualitative research methods to understand the patient’s experiences with the follow-up through a depth interview. A hermeneutic approach was used in the analysis and interpretation of the interview. The results of this study were presented in the form of empiricism close headlines which was then discussed. Interpretation of the informants stories are held up toward previous research and theoretical perspectives like empowerment and paternalism. The informants were positive toward pharmaceutical follow-up and believed they had learned both about their drugs and their diseases. This has given the patients a feeling of safety in everyday life. Another important factor that emerged in this work was the importance that the pharmacist spending enough time in conversation with the patient. Patients wanted more time with the general practitioner (GP) doctor, but also expressed that through collaboration between pharmacist and GP the need for medical information could be reduced. Informants also mentioned that it is important for the pharmacist to highlight their role both in a pharmacy and other places, such as in hospital wards. This thesis has discussed experiences with pharmaceutical follow-up of informants with heart disease. It can help to provide a practical basis for the establishment of pharmaceutical follow-up.