Louise MacInnes1,2, Carol Baines1, Alexandra Bishop3, Karen Ford4. 1. Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. 2. Corresponding author: Dr Carol Baines, Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania 7000, Australia, carol.baines@ths.tas.gov.au. 3. DDRC Healthcare, Hyperbaric Medical Centre, Plymouth, Devon, UK. 4. Tasmanian Health Service South, Tasmania and University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This paper presents a quantitative and qualitative study exploring patients' knowledge and experience of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). METHODS: Participants included 29 patients with appropriate indications who were undertaking HBOT at facilities in two different locations: Hobart, Australia, and Plymouth, United Kingdom. Participants completed surveys prior to commencing HBOT, after five sessions, and on completion of HBOT. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with each individual on conclusion of their course. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and interpretive description. RESULTS: Prior to referral, 15/29 (52%) of participants knew HBOT was used to treat divers, and of these, 9/15 (60%) were familiar with its use for non-divers. Only one third sought additional information about the process between referral for HBOT and attending their medical assessment. Anxiety was a pre-treatment concern amongst participants. However, when re-measured after five sessions and upon completion of the HBOT course, anxiety was reduced. The interview data revealed themes based around the physical, emotional and social aspects of HBOT: (1) anxiety within self; (2) naivety to normalisation; (3) enjoyment being a 'diver'; and (4) burdens of HBOT. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients experienced anxiety prior to commencing HBOT but, with support, quickly adjusted to treatment, transitioning from a state of naivety to normalisation in their experience of the hyperbaric chamber. They enjoyed feeling like a 'diver' and considered aspects of the burdens of treatment, such as finances or logistics, a minor inconvenience. These results highlight the need for psychosocial support during treatment by identifying gaps in patient preparation for HBOT. Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
INTRODUCTION: This paper presents a quantitative and qualitative study exploring patients' knowledge and experience of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). METHODS: Participants included 29 patients with appropriate indications who were undertaking HBOT at facilities in two different locations: Hobart, Australia, and Plymouth, United Kingdom. Participants completed surveys prior to commencing HBOT, after five sessions, and on completion of HBOT. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with each individual on conclusion of their course. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and interpretive description. RESULTS: Prior to referral, 15/29 (52%) of participants knew HBOT was used to treat divers, and of these, 9/15 (60%) were familiar with its use for non-divers. Only one third sought additional information about the process between referral for HBOT and attending their medical assessment. Anxiety was a pre-treatment concern amongst participants. However, when re-measured after five sessions and upon completion of the HBOT course, anxiety was reduced. The interview data revealed themes based around the physical, emotional and social aspects of HBOT: (1) anxiety within self; (2) naivety to normalisation; (3) enjoyment being a 'diver'; and (4) burdens of HBOT. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients experienced anxiety prior to commencing HBOT but, with support, quickly adjusted to treatment, transitioning from a state of naivety to normalisation in their experience of the hyperbaric chamber. They enjoyed feeling like a 'diver' and considered aspects of the burdens of treatment, such as finances or logistics, a minor inconvenience. These results highlight the need for psychosocial support during treatment by identifying gaps in patient preparation for HBOT. Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
Authors: David T Eton; Djenane Ramalho de Oliveira; Jason S Egginton; Jennifer L Ridgeway; Laura Odell; Carl R May; Victor M Montori Journal: Patient Relat Outcome Meas Date: 2012-08-24