Emotional and adjustment issues faced by cardiac patients seen in clinical practice: A qualitative survey of experienced clinicians

Abstract

PURPOSE: Many cardiac patients experience psychological difficulties after a cardiac event including anxiety, depressed mood, adjustment difficulties, and feelings of grief and loss. There is a vast literature on the psychological adjustment of cardiac patients including reports by individual practitioners into the emotional difficulties of these patients. However, no previous study has surveyed therapists collectively about their experiences working with cardiac patients. In this study, clinical practitioners were surveyed to identify specific emotional issues faced by cardiac patients and to explore potential relationships between these issues. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were condu..