A phenomenological study on benefit finding of patients with age-related macular degeneration under adaptive challenges / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To find benefit of adaptive challenges in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients of long-term treatment in the challenge of vision decline, and provide new ideas for improving the quality of life of patients.Methods:It was a phenomenological study from qualitative research, selected by purpose sampling method and semi-structured interview which involved 20 AMD patients who received intravitreal treatment of drug in the Ophthalmology Department of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January to March 2023.Two interviewees comprehensively read and analyzed the transcript of the interview and its meaning, subsequently Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to classify and encode the transcribed data.Results:Among 20 patients, there were 9 males and 11 females, aged 56-81 years old. Patients with AMD experience a sense of benefit in their long-term management of the condition, adapting to the challenges posed by declining strength, which could be summarized into four main themes moderate sense of decision control, satisfactory social support, active self-management of the disease, and an improvement in quality of life.Conclusions:Patients with AMD experience a sense of disease-related benefit during the long-term management of visual acuity challenges. Healthcare professionals should guide patients to seek this benefit from adverse events, identify the adaptive challenges patients face, and leverage their adaptive leadership skills. Furthermore, offering multi-channel low vision rehabilitation services can assist patients in enhancing their adaptive capabilities, ultimately contributing to further improving their quality of life.