This illness diminishes me. What it does is like theft. A qualitative synthesis of people's experiences of living with asthma

Background: What matters to people in their everyday experiences of living with asthma is influenced by a diverse range of personal, social, medical and environmental factors. Previous reviews of the asthma literature have largely focused on medical aspects of asthma or specific population groups with particular needs. Objective: To identify, describe and synthesise from the available qualitative literature the views and experiences of adults living with asthma. Method: We systematically searched for qualitative studies reporting on the personal experience of living with asthma. A meta-synthesis approach was used to analyse and interpret the data. Key themes relating to personal perspectives on asthma were identified and grouped into overaching concepts. Results: We identified 26 studies. There was a paucity of literature on the physical burden of asthma symptoms and the role of social support. Our synthesis generated a central concept of the ‘work’ associated with living with asthma: work was of a personal nature, and at times an intensely emotional experience. Individuals tailored their behaviour in response to demands of the physical and social environment, including interactions with healthcare professionals. Conclusion: This is the first systematic review of the qualitative literature reporting on people’s own perspectives of living with asthma. Our findings draw attention to the nuances and sensitivities surrounding patient experiences of self-management. Medical care is a central plank of managing chronic conditions, but our healthcare systems are now expected to deliver patient-centred care. Considering the broader aspects of asthma management, beyond that of symptoms and treatment, will help to facilitate comprehensive care

This illness diminishes me. What it does is like theft. A qualitative synthesis of people's experiences of living with asthma

Background: What matters to people in their everyday experiences of living with asthma is influenced by a diverse range of personal, social, medical and environmental factors. Previous reviews of the asthma literature have largely focused on medical aspects of asthma or specific population groups with particular needs. Objective: To identify, describe and synthesise from the available qualitative literature the views and experiences of adults living with asthma. Method: We systematically searched for qualitative studies reporting on the personal experience of living with asthma. A meta-synthesis approach was used to analyse and interpret the data. Key themes relating to personal perspectives on asthma were identified and grouped into overaching concepts. Results: We identified 26 studies. There was a paucity of literature on the physical burden of asthma symptoms and the role of social support. Our synthesis generated a central concept of the ‘work’ associated with living with asthma: work was of a personal nature, and at times an intensely emotional experience. Individuals tailored their behaviour in response to demands of the physical and social environment, including interactions with healthcare professionals. Conclusion: This is the first systematic review of the qualitative literature reporting on people’s own perspectives of living with asthma. Our findings draw attention to the nuances and sensitivities surrounding patient experiences of self-management. Medical care is a central plank of managing chronic conditions, but our healthcare systems are now expected to deliver patient-centred care. Considering the broader aspects of asthma management, beyond that of symptoms and treatment, will help to facilitate comprehensive care

“…I've said I wish I was dead, you'd be better off without me”: A systematic review of people's experiences of living with severe asthma

Objective: Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative evidence exploring the lived experience of adults with severe asthma. Data sources: We searched MEDLINE via OvidSP, PsycINFO via OvidSP, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Sociological Abstracts, Google Scholar, the journals Qualitative Health Research and Qualitative Research, and a study of experiences of living with asthma by the Health Experiences Research group. Study selections: Studies were included if they used qualitative methods and explored the subjective experiences of adults (≥18 years) with a clear diagnosis of severe asthma. Results: From 575 identified studies, five met the inclusion criteria. Synthesis revealed an overarching theme of efforts that people living with severe asthma engage in to achieve personal control over their condition. Individuals ‘strive for autonomy’ through dealing with symptoms and treatment, acquiring knowledge, making decisions and reclaiming identity. Conclusion: This systematic review found a paucity of qualitative studies reporting on people's perspectives of living with severe asthma, and a focus on clinical rather than personal issues. Our synthesis reveals that severe asthma was disempowering, and a threat to identity and life roles. What was important to people living with severe asthma was striving to achieve a greater level of personal control over their condition, but these efforts received little support from their healthcare providers. Thus, more attention should be paid to understanding the self-management strategies and personal goals of people living with severe asthma. This may assist in designing interventions to better support patient self-management and improve health outcomes.</p