Exploring the Experiences of Urban Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention following Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of urban patients with acute myocardial infarction following primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and to highlight their views, feelings, and challenges in order to ensure that care meets their needs.

Methods: Using a qualitative approach, a purposive sample of eight urban participants from a cardiac unit in Cairo University Hospital – Egypt underwent semi-structured interviews during the period from September 2019 to March 2021. Purposive sampling was used to select eight urban participants meeting the study criteria. Inclusion criteria were adult urban patients with acute MI for the first time, admitted to the critical care unit, and underwent primary coronary intervention. Exclusion criteria were any patients with a known history of mental diseases or those residing in non-urban areas. Using bracketing, thematic coding, and synthesis of lived meanings, data were examined via a five-step phenomenological analysis approach. Manual method was used for qualitative data analysis, no software was used. Microsoft Excel was used for the prescription of participants’ demographic data.

Results: Four main themes emerged from analysis: (1) Unexpected Life Event, reflecting the sudden traumatic nature of AMI; (2) Overwhelming Challenges, including physical limitations, emotional distress, and financial strain; (3) Coping Mechanisms, including reliance on social support, spiritual faith, and lifestyle modifications; and (4) Recovery Process, stressing patients' slow adaptation and trust in healthcare providers. Among urban participants, coping and recovery were substantially aided by cultural elements, particularly religious beliefs, family networks, and access to urban healthcare resources.

Conclusion: Emphasizing the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive treatment approaches that address not only medical recovery but also the challenging physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual dimensions of illness, the findings highlight the profound impact of AMI and PCI on urban Egyptian patients’ lives, underscoring the importance of patient-centered care within urban healthcare settings.