Ett utmanande liv

: En allmän litteraturstudie om upplevelser av att leva med kroniskt obstruktiv lungsjukdom

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] is a progressive and incurable disease often divided in stages. Cough and shortness of breath are two significant symptoms and the most common cause of the disease is tobacco smoking, hence helping patients quit smoking is where nurses play a central role. A template of six core competencies can describe the work of nurses and the model for person-centered nursing designed by McCormack and McCance can facilitate the interaction with patients. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe experiences of people living with COPD. Methods: A general literature study was conducted, based on 14 qualitative articles published between year 2016 and 2021. Data collection was made through systematic searching in three databases. The reviews followed HKRs template for qualitative articles, and Fribergs five-step model was used during analysis. Results: The experiences of COPD were categorized into five main themes; An altered life, Feelings of guilt and shame, Feeling isolated from others, An affected relationship to others and Lack of knowledge creates uncertainty. A total of ten subthemes were also created based on the results. Discussion: The method was discussed through four qualitative concepts of trustworthiness; credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability. The results were discussed based on three main findings; To live with guilt as a consequence of the disease, To feel stigmatized as a result of the disease and Peoples attitude to knowledge and information, based on McCormack and McCances aforementioned model for person-centred nursing, proximity ethics and from a societal perspective.

Date of Award	2021-Dec
Original language	Swedish
Supervisor	Jenny Olsson (Supervisor) & Helena Larsson (Examiner)