An Exploration of the help-seeking experiences of patients in an allied professions-led rapid access chest pain pathway: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective A number of studies have explored delayed help-seeking practices for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and have indentified multiple intersecting factors which may play a role, for example, attributing symptoms, age, gender, ethnicity and contextual influences. However, the pathway to diagnosis for suspected coronary heart disease (CHD) symptoms in a rapid access chest pain clinic (RACPC) context is underexplored. The objective of this study was to examine 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 general practitioner. Design Qualitative study. Setting Interviews were conducted in the RACPC at Queen Mary's Roehampton Hospital, London, UK. Participants Maximum variation sampling was used to recruit 30 participants (15 men and 15 women) referred to a RACPC, using sampling dimensions of age, ethnicity and occupation. Methods Semi-structured interviews focussed on the patient experience of their pathway to the RACPC. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data. Results Participant interpretation of symptoms was shaped by multiple influences; reluctance to seek help contributed to delay; various factors acted as drivers as well as barriers to help-seeking; and GP referrals to RACPC were based on symptoms as well as patients' need for reassurance. Conclusion We found complex issues shaped the patient's 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 RACPC services.