Life Experience of Tracheostomy Patients: A Qualitative Study
摘要
Tracheostomy patients do not have a good quality of life due to complications and limitations in communication and fear of the consequences of the disease, so they always need the support of others. The special conditions of tracheostomy patients are often stressful, unexpected, traumatic, and debilitating. Therefore, this qualitative study was conducted aimed to discover life experiences and understand the challenges of patients with tracheostomy. This qualitative study was conducted using descriptive phenomenology. The data collection method in this study was in-depth and semi-structured interviews with 12 tracheostomy patients. The participants were recruited with purposive sampling method. Interviews with clients were all recorded and analyzed using the van Manen method. The analysis of the clients’ statements and writings led to the emergence of 217 codes, 17 sub-themes, 8 emergent themes, and 4 main themes. The main theme included the following: physical problems and limitations, concern and worry, withdrawal from society, and economic difficulties. The findings of this study showed multidimensional challenges in the lives of tracheostomy patients. The results of this study can be of interest to health care providers, and its results can be used to create a supportive environment leading to the improvement of the living conditions of tracheostomy patients.