‘Do I cry or just carry on’: A story completion study of healthcare professionals’ anticipated responses to experiencing chest pain

Vries, Caitlin; Flurey, Caroline A.

Abstract

Healthcare professionals may experience barriers to seeking healthcare that differ from the general population. We explored healthcare professionals’ anticipated responses to experiencing chest pain following a period of stress using qualitative story completion method with healthcare professionals ( n = 44). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, which identified three themes: ‘“Do I cry or just carry on?”: A Culture of Suffering in Silence’ identified worries that expressing health concerns would be perceived as weakness, with potential impact on career opportunities. Participants also described self-diagnosis and self-medication rather than help-seeking. ‘“Me? Have a panic attack?”: Psychosomatic Shame’ suggested mental health issues may be ignored due to stigma. ‘“We definitely don’t take care of ourselves”: Prioritising Pressures of Multiple Responsibilities over Self-care’ identified real or perceived pressures to de-prioritise their health. Future research should explore the design of confidential, time efficient support for healthcare professionals that tackle cultural norms and barriers to self-care.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 28, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 29, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 30, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Health Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1359-1053
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1138-1149
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053231221400
• Keywords: Applied Psychology
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11640951
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053231221400