Perceived needs for attaining a ‘new normality’ after surviving myocardial infarction: A qualitative study of patients’ experience

Background: A comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of patients’ myocardial infarction (MI) experiences may help to guide these patients and their relatives through the many uncertainties they face and help them to stabilize their lives after the disruption they experienced. Objectives: To explore MI patients’ experiences of life with MI, the challenges they face during the process of accepting their condition, and the setting and resetting of their personal goals. Methods: Thirty semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted. The grounded theory method was used, and Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software was used to facilitate the analysis. Results: Three main themes and explanatory models emerged from the data analysis: a good adaptation – the ‘new normality;’ maladjustment – a continuous search for a ‘new normality;’ and perceived needs in the search for a new normality. Patients perceived several areas of need that they felt must be met before they could reach the state of a new normality. These needs included overcoming the anxiety of a possible MI recurrence; acquiring knowledge about MI in general and about ‘my MI’ in particular; the need for a timeline; for patience and steadiness; for both objective and subjective health status improvement; for taking control over the disease; and living within a supportive context. Conclusion: When faced with a dramatic life event, most patients succeed in achieving a new normality in which they live changed but still satisfying lives. The needs experienced by patients when searching for a new normality may guide practitioners in leading patient-centred consultations. KEY MESSAGES Most MI patients achieve a new normality. My physical identity is new: my body is different but still functional. My personal identity is new: I am not the same as before, the disease is part of me, but I retain parts of my previous self