Ægtefællers oplevelser, når deres partner indlægges med AMI

Spouses of patients with acute myocardial infarction need supportive care from healthcare professionals in order to be able to encourage their partners’ rehabilitation. International studies indicate that enhancement of professional supportive care is needed but no Danish studies have previously addressed the issue. The purpose of this article is to report on findings from a qualitative descriptive study of spouses’ experiences when their partner was admitted to hospital with acute myocardial infarction. Three spouses were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Findings indicated that – even though emotional support was advertised by the spouses – need might not be fully recognised by the health care professional. A discussion of findings is elaborated, drawing on Ida J. Orlando’s ideas on nurse-patient relationships. The conclusion is drawn that the recent change in treatment of myocardial infarction to invasive treatment seems to cause new difficulties in terms of establishing a trustful relationship between spouses and healthcare professionals at community hospitals. Consequently, health care professionals are challenged to put extra efforts into the establishment of good relations to spouses.