The Dance of Cystic Fibrosis: Experiences of Living with Cystic Fibrosis as an Adult
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2020
Abstract
Aim: This study sought to understand the experience of living with cystic fibrosis as an adult.
Background: Cystic fibrosis is one of the most difficult chronic diseases to manage long‐term because of numerous challenges faced on a day‐to‐day basis. The majority of studies focus on improving symptom response to new treatment regimens with the hope of prolonging life. Yet few qualitative studies explore the experience of adults with cystic fibrosis. What is missing from the current literature are the voices of people living with cystic fibrosis, especially as they age.
Design: This study follows a hermeneutic phenomenology design guided by Martin Heidegger’s philosophy.
Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 9 adults living with cystic fibrosis. Hermeneutic phenomenology guided the data interpretation. This manuscript follows COREQ reporting guidelines.
Results: Hermeneutic analysis revealed the overarching theme The Dance of Cystic Fibrosis which is supported by five themes: 1) The Paradox of Control, 2) Living Deaths, 3) Dancing with Death, 4) Relearning to Dance, and 5) Role of the Dance Partner.
Conclusions: The experience of living with cystic fibrosis as an adult is multidimensional and unique to each person. Despite the uniqueness, there is a shared experience that manifested as The Dance of Cystic Fibrosis . As life expectancy continues to increase for persons with cystic fibrosis, it is essential that researchers and healthcare professionals intentionally consider the life prolonging effects of the treatment regimen alongside the persons’ experience with those effects.
Relevance to Clinical Practice: Nurses at all levels of practice should be prepared to address the multifaceted experience of living with cystic fibrosis through thoughtful incorporation of open‐ended questions. This allows patients to share their experience with nurses, augmenting their practice of delivering holistic care.
Publication Title
Journal of Clinical Practice
DOI of Published Version
10.1111/jocn.15397
Recommended Citation
Varilek, Brandon and Isaacson, Mary J., "The Dance of Cystic Fibrosis: Experiences of Living with Cystic Fibrosis as an Adult" (2020). College of Nursing Faculty Publications. 96.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/con_pubs/96