The experience of chronic illness among a group of Irish patients: a qualitative study

Aim This paper reports a study that explored the experience of people living with chronic illness among a group of Irish patients. Background Chronic conditions affect the lives of millions of people around the world. Understanding their experience and how they cope with chronic illness can help nurses develop appropriate plans for their patients. To date no study on the experience of chronic illness in Ireland was found. Design A qualitative descriptive design using focus group interviews was used in this study. Method Two focus group interviews with a convenient sample of 19 people with chronic illness were carried out and data collection took place in 2008. Findings/results Although the participants’ chronic conditions were varied, a number of common themes were evident from their narratives. These were: ‘a sense of loss’, ‘feelings of anger and frustration’, ‘uncertainty and stress’ and ‘adapting to a new life’. Financial loss and the fragmented nature of health care for people with chronic illness were particularly felt by this group of Irish participants. Conclusion It was clear that chronic illness affected their physical, psychological and social lives. They identified a number of personal losses, but felt strongly that they had to continue to make changes in their lives as they struggled to adapt to a new life. The contribution of partners and family members were crucial in this process of adaptation. Service providers need to assess the extent to which their services meet the needs of people with chronic illness in an integrated way.