SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Frequently Hospitalized Patients' Perceptions of Support Received as They Cope With Chronic Illness: A Qualitative Study

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This qualitative study explored how frequently hospitalized patients perceive support while coping with chronic illness, both inside and outside the healthcare system. The researchers interviewed 26 adults who had experienced at least two unplanned 30-day inpatient readmissions in the previous year at an urban academic hospital. Using one-on-one semi-structured interviews and iterative inductive team-based coding, the team analyzed patients’ experiences of support.<br /><br />The study found that patients received support from a wide range of sources, including family, friends, peers, and healthcare-related programs. Family and friends often provided important emotional, practical, and ongoing social support. Peer support, especially from others with similar chronic conditions, helped participants feel understood and less isolated. Some patients also described benefits from hospital- or organization-facilitated support, such as support groups or structured programs.<br /><br />However, support was not always stable or reliable. Some patients experienced disengagement, conflict, stigma, or loss of support over time. In certain cases, family members became frustrated or dismissive, and some patients felt judged by healthcare staff, which discouraged them from sharing information or seeking help.<br /><br />The authors conclude that although frequently hospitalized patients often rely on diverse support networks, these networks can fracture. Clinicians should intentionally identify and strengthen existing sources of support. At the system level, programs for frequently hospitalized patients should prioritize partnership and trust-building so care teams can better understand patients’ goals, meet their priorities, and support their overall needs.

Asset Subtitle

Maria Theodorou

Meta Tag

Author List Bruce Henschen, Kenzie Cameron, Kevin J. O'Leary, Lyndsey O'Hara, Margaret Chapman, Maria Theodorou, Shandu Foster

Category Research

Concept Hospitalization

Concept Social Support

Concept Patient Support Network

Concept Frequently Hospitalized Patients

Concept Chronic Illness

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine Division of Hospital Medicine

Presenting Author Maria Theodorou

Track Communication

Keywords

chronic illness

hospital readmissions

patient support

qualitative study

family support

peer support

social support

healthcare system

support networks

trust-building

Hospitalization

Social Support

Patient Support Network

Frequently Hospitalized Patients

Chronic Illness