Spouses' Conceptions of the Pre-Hospital Phase When Their Partners Suffered an Acute Myocardial Infarction — A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Our findings suggest that spouses have a strong influence on the course of events. When accepting the partner's need for control through following earlier marital roles and experiences, restraining own emotions and seeking agreement, this seemed to contribute to delay. However, when the spouse was resourceful by sharing the experience, having knowledge, understanding the severity, being rational and consulting others when needed, this seemed to have a positive influence on the pre-hospital time.