Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Graves’ disease (GD) is the most common form of hyperthyroidism in Sweden. About 2000 patients are affected by GD annually (incidence 21/100 000) and a majority are women in working age. GD can be overwhelming for the affected patient. Health care professionals do their best to meet the patients’ needs, but can we do more? The aim of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of being affected by GD to improve healthcare.

Method: The patients were recruited at Sahlgrenska university hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 3 men and 12 women affected by GD. A strategic sample was applied in order to get a wide distribution in the group of patients who were interviewed. The narratives were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings: Frequently expressed problems by the interviewees were overwhelming amount of information, change in their own personality, fatigue, and lack of energy. These factors had a negative impact on their daily life, physical and psychosocial functioning, and well-being. The informants highlighted the need of being listened to, tailored information, continuous contact, and a good treatment plan.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that patients often feel alienated from themselves in the early phase of their disease and are in a need of improved support from healthcare. By carefully listening to the patients’ experiences and taking into account their resources and needs, healthcare professionals can improve health outcomes and optimize recovery based on each patient’s situation.