Physicians’ perceptions of patient participation in the myocardial infarction pathway

Myocardial infarction is an acute, frightening and life-threatening condition for patients who are affected. They need plain and simple information about the disease and the treatment, yet patient participation might be challenging in acute situations. Previous studies have shown that patient participation leads to improved patient satisfaction, cooperation with healthcare professionals and better management of the disease. Physicians have a key role in facilitating patient participation in the healthcare services. This study explores physicians’ perceptions of patient participation in the myocardial infarction pathway. In 2018 we interviewed nine experienced physicians in Norway working in different phases of the pathway. Hermeneutics was chosen as the underpinning analytical framework. Four themes illustrated patient participation in the myocardial infarction pathway. Paternalism characterised the acute phase. During hospitalisation the physicians perceived a lack of continuity in physician–patient communication. In the discharge phase, the physicians focused on strengthening health literacy. In the rehabilitation phase, dialogue and shared decision making was central to achieving treatment adherence. We found variations in the level of patient participation along the different phases of the myocardial infarction pathway. Strengthening continuity to ensure patient participation and collaboration between healthcare professionals is essential. The physicians proposed introducing checklists for patient information to enhance interprofessional collaboration and strengthen patient participation.