Difficult encounters with a hemophilic patient: The inner perspective of physicians

• Published in: Journal of health psychology Vol. 19; no. 12; pp. 1499 - 1507
• Main Authors: Vegni, Elena, Leone, Daniela, Biasoli, Chiara, Moja, Egidio A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.12.2014; Sage Publications
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; Hemophilia A - psychology; Hemophilia A - therapy; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Narration; Patients; Phenomenology; Physician-Patient Relations; Physicians - psychology; Platelet diseases and coagulopathies; Professionalism; Qualitative analysis; Qualitative Research; Truth Disclosure; physician’s attitude; Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis; hemophilia; qualitative research; hematologists’ representation; Human; hematologists' representation; Health staff; Attitude; Physician; Hemopathy; Interpretative phenomenological analysis; Genetic disease; physician's attitude; Hemophilia; Qualitative analysis; Coagulopathy
• ISSN: 1359-1053; 1461-7277
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105313493813

This study aimed at exploring the hematologists’ internal representation of a difficult encounter with a hemophilic patient, using a written open format. Narrations were analyzed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three main issues were identified, each with sub-issues: (1) Inside the relationship: to tell or not to tell, the balance between a normal life and a deviant medical condition, the guilt; (2) The borders of the professional role: professional values, the “do-it-all” doctor; and (3) The existential confrontation. This study reveals the deep involvement of physicians with their patients, at a professional level and, strongly, at a personal level. The experience of being so deeply involved should be considered in the continuing medical programs for physicians dealing with hemophilia.