The experience of receiving successive diagnoses for people with multiple chronic health conditions including stage 3 heart failure

This study explores the experience of receiving successive diagnoses for people with stage 3 heart failure (NHYA) and at least two other chronic health conditions. The participants were all having treatment from NHS specialist heart failure nurses within the community and had been diagnosed more than six months previously. The aim of the research is to illuminate the experience of being repeatedly diagnosed with another health condition. This is timely as there are increasing numbers of people living with multiple morbidities. Six participants (three male, three female) were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gain insight into their world. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The analysis is my interpretation of the participants’ interpretation of their lived experience. Three overarching themes emerged relating to the acceptance of diagnoses, the importance of relationships and the meaning of time. Each of these has several constituent subthemes. The findings are discussed in relation to the wider literature and links are made with theory pertaining to adaptive coping, embodiment and existential issues. Implications for professional practice and areas for future research are discussed.