Abstract | Objective: A number of studies have explored delayed help-seeking practices for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and have cited multiple intersecting factors which may play a role (e.g. attributing symptoms, age, gender, ethnicity and contextual influences). However, the pathway to diagnosis for suspected Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) symptoms in a Rapid Acess Chest Pain Clinic (RACPC) context is underexplored. The objective of this study was to explore patients’ help-seeking experiences of accessing RACPC services: from the point at which they notice and interpret symptoms to their decision to seek help from their GP, attend a RACPC, and receive a diagnosis Design: Qualitative study Setting: Interviews were conducted in RACPC at Queen Mary’s Roehampton Hospital, London, United Kingdom Participants: Maximium Variation sampling was used to recruit 30 participants referred to a RACPC, including 15 men and 15 women utilising sampling dimensions of age, ethnicity and occupation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews that focused on the patient experience of their pathway to diagnosis in RACPC. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the interview data. Results: The interpretation of symptoms was shaped by multiple factors; reluctance to seek help contributed to delay; with various factors acting as drivers as well as barriers to help-seeking; and referrals to RACPC were based on symptoms as well as patient need reassurance. Conclusion: We found complex issues shaped the patient decision-making when accessing the RACPC, including making sense of symptoms and help-seeking practices. These findings can be used to develop health promotion literature to encourage early help-seeking and improve of RACPC services. |
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