Severe asthma, relationships & initimacy. The patients perspective.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Severe Asthma, intimacy and relationships; an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of patient experiences.
IRAS ID
188912
Contact name
J Yorke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 9 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to explore whether living with severe asthma impacts upon personal relationships and intimacy.
5-10% of all asthmatics suffer with severe refractory asthma (SA) whereby despite maximum treatment, patients continue with severe symptoms, physical limitations and fear due to the unpredictability of the disease. These factors whether in isolation or combination negatively impose upon everyday living and psychological well being.
Sexual function and intimacy are basic human needs, contributing to a good quality of life. However, literature recognises that chronic disease may compromise an individual’s sexual function compromising quality of life. Anecdotally it is observed in practice; through patient disclosure, that severe asthma impacts upon the physical, psychological and social elements of intimacy. Yet within the context of severe asthma clinical practice, these areas are not routinely addressed. There is a scarcity of good quality evidence to explore how great the impact SA has upon intimacy and how as healthcare professionals this can be addressed to deliver the most appropriate care possible. Additionally consensus within the SA patient support group supports the requirement for research within this area.Patients eligible for recruitment and participation, will be under the c/o the Manchester severe asthma service with a diagnosis of BTS step 5 severe asthma, The study will involve a one off, one hour recorded semi structured interview at UHSM Hospital where participants will be invited to consider how living with this SA may or may not have any impact upon their personal relationships and intimacy.
Through facilitating, a descriptive in depth enquiry of the severe asthma patients experience, understanding within this cohort will be achieved.Fundamentally, this will serve, to increase the breadth and depth of knowledge within severe asthma to increase understanding of the patients' experience, which consequently will facilitate a genuine holistic approach to care.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0040
Date of REC Opinion
4 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion