Assessment of patient satisfaction with percutaneous coronary angioplasty and clinical care experience: a qualitative study.

Background: In the face of numerous studies concerning the technical advances of percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] and clinical outcomes, only a few studies focus on patients' lived experiences after PCI. This study aims to explore patients' lived experiences after PCI, both in clinical terms and in terms of their perception of their health status, functional capacity, and autonomy at home.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological, individual, semi-structured survey was conducted on a sample of 18 patients undergoing PCI. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, interviews had a time duration of 7 to 10 minutes, and all conversations were recorded and transcribed. The study assessed the level of satisfaction, concerning the lived experience, in the pre/post-procedure period and the subsequent follow-up.

Results: Patients emphasized the importance of four themes: post-PCI health conditions, activities of daily living, the relationship established with health care providers, and the relationship between patient and family members/caregivers. Patients emphasized the improvement of symptoms, particularly exertional dyspnea, exertional angina, and easy fatigability. As a result, patients reported increased confidence in performing normal daily activities. Patients stressed the importance of establishing a good relationship between patients and healthcare providers. About 72.2% (95% CI 49.1-87.5%) of patients reported that they needed the help of family in the recovery phase. Of this group, 84.6% (95% CI 57.7-95.7%) reported that they never felt like a burden to their loved ones.

Conclusions: Post-PCI follow-up is generally characterized by improvement in the patient's functional capacity and autonomy. There are, however, cases in which at least part of the burden of home care falls on family members.