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Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to explore and describe meanings of being on sick leave due to heart failure. Methods: The study was conducted in Sweden during 2011–2012. Five men and one woman, aged 46 to 62, were interviewed. A reflective life-world research approach based on phenomenological philosophy was used. The result of the analysis is presented in three themes. Results: To be on sick leave due to heart failure implies a life situation characterized by anxiety, insecurity and uncertainty. When rehabilitation professionals do not take on their professional responsibility, sick listed people with heart failure perceive they are dismissed and abandoned. If rehabilitation professionals take on their professional responsibility it can be experienced as supportive. Conclusions: People who are on sick leave due to heart failure are abandoned by rehabilitation professionals and they lack opportunities to participate in their own sick leave/rehabilitation processes. Rehabilitation professionals need to take more responsibility and allow the patients to participate by connecting and recognizing patients as equal human beings. The present results can be used by rehabilitation professionals to reflect on and discuss the needs of people on sick leave due to heart failure.
Heart failure is a chronic condition implying a complicated life-situation.
People with heart failure experience abandonment by rehabilitation professionals and lack participation in their own rehabilitation process.
In order to support people on sick leave due to heart failure collaboration and coordination between rehabilitation professionals are needed.
Implications for Rehabilitation
Declaration of interest
This work was supported by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (reference number 25728/2010).