Manliga patienter med hjärtsvikt och deras erfarenhet av att vara trygga och otrygga

To be safe is a basic human need. Although feelings of being unsafe has been identified as a common problem among persons who live with heart failure there are few qualitative studies focusing on the problem. The aim of this study was to describe what it means to be safe or unsafe for men with heart failure. Seven men with heart failure, functional class NYHA II-III, were interviewed in focus groups. The interviews were analysed with content analysis. Threat of sudden death was described as both a source of safety and unsafety, and living with a fear of drowning in their own body fluid was seen as a source of unsafety for the men. In meetings with caregivers and relatives it was of importance to be received as a unique and valuable person. The confidence to the heart specialist was almost supernatural and the specialist nurse was spoken about as valuable for the feeling of being safe.

In conclusion, to be seen with respect by physicians and nurses who have good ability to listen to the men's experience of living with heart failure can probably increase the men's feelings of safety. Further, it is important that physicians and nurses have good knowledge about heart failure.