Suzanne Steffan Dickerson1. 1. University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand the practical knowledge gained from Internet use by implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients through hermeneutic interpretation of narrative stories. METHODS: The study took place through an online virtual focus group and e-mail interviews. Thirteen participants attended the ongoing 4-week virtual focus group, and 8 followed up with individual interviews. RESULTS: Five related themes and 1 constitutive pattern emerged. Themes included getting past fear with knowledge and support; gaining context through a window to the future; Internet as mountain of information; and Internet as social interaction and becoming informed consumers. The constitutive pattern was gaining a context for living a healthy life with an ICD. IMPLICATIONS: Providers must be aware of the value added when patients use the Internet for self-care management of their chronic illness. Through information searches and sharing stories, patients gain insight into possibilities and potential outcomes of living with an ICD.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand the practical knowledge gained from Internet use by implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients through hermeneutic interpretation of narrative stories. METHODS: The study took place through an online virtual focus group and e-mail interviews. Thirteen participants attended the ongoing 4-week virtual focus group, and 8 followed up with individual interviews. RESULTS: Five related themes and 1 constitutive pattern emerged. Themes included getting past fear with knowledge and support; gaining context through a window to the future; Internet as mountain of information; and Internet as social interaction and becoming informed consumers. The constitutive pattern was gaining a context for living a healthy life with an ICD. IMPLICATIONS: Providers must be aware of the value added when patients use the Internet for self-care management of their chronic illness. Through information searches and sharing stories, patients gain insight into possibilities and potential outcomes of living with an ICD.
Authors: Patricia H Strachan; Sonya de Laat; Sandra L Carroll; Lisa Schwartz; Katie Vaandering; Gurjit K Toor; Heather M Arthur Journal: J Cardiovasc Nurs Date: 2012 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 2.083