| Popis: |
The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of attending an outpatient clinic for young patients with childhood-onset chronic illness. Subjects comprised 11 patients (age range, 17-27 years) with chronic illness who were attending a pediatric outpatient clinic. They were asked to participate in semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed using the grounded theory approach.Based on the results of the qualitative analysis, the following five categories were identified: 1) being myself as a patient with an illness; 2) assessing my physical condition; 3) seeking information about the possible effects of my disease on major life events; 4) steadying my nerves; and 5) viewing my illness as a part of everyday life. Inter-category relationships were then clarified.For young adult patients with chronic diseases diagnosed in childhood, regular visits to the pediatric outpatient department signified a continuation of treatment behavior and appropriate support for engaging in life events. These findings indicate the need for ageappropriate, trust-based support for treatment behavior that provides a sense of security during the transition from child- to adulthood and enables patients to fully engage in life events. |
