Prof. Brett Mitchell2,3,4,5, Prof Maria Northcote2, A/Prof Carolyn Rickett2, A/Prof Phil Russo4, Maham Amin3, Fiona De Sousa6, Kirsty Pearce2, Jenny Sim5, Cassie Curryer7
1Avondale University, Monash University, Central Coast Local Health District And Univesrity Of Newcastle
2Avondale University, , Australia
3Central Coast Local Health District, , Australia
4Monash University, , Australia
5University of Newcastle, , Australia
6Launceston Hospital, , Australia
7NSW Regional Health Partners, , Australia
Methods: We conducted a qualitative phenomenological study which drew on data from semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of patients who had recently contracted a HAI while in hospital. Participants were recruited from two Australian hospitals during 2019 and 2021. Telephone interviews were conducted with ten participants by two research team members and transcripts from these interviews were qualitatively analysed using a thematic coding process to identify the patients’ perspectives of contracting a HAI.
Results: The participants had a range of different HAIs. The participants described how the experience of having a HAI can be very isolating and distressing from the patient perspective, with life-long implications. This contributes to our understanding of the way in which patients are impacted emotionally and mentally as a result of contracting a HAI.
Conclusion: There is a need for improved, person-centred communication about the source, treatment, and prognosis of HAIs. The findings from our study indicate the importance of considering patients’ voices in their own health care.
Background: While the prevalence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), their causes and treatments have been researched in varied contexts to date, the patients’ perspectives of contracting and living with the consequences of HAI remains under-researched. The aim of this study was to explore the patients’ experience of having a HAI.
Biography:
Professor Maria Northcote is a researcher and educator who has worked in the higher education sector for over 20 years. She has managed and participated in research projects in varied contexts including higher education, teacher education, schools and hospitals. She is the Director of Higher Degree Research at Avondale University.