Severity of illness and illness behaviour: A comparative study of coronary care patients☆

摘要: Abstract Patients entering a coronary care unit (CCU) usually fall into one of two groups; those with an unequivocal diagnosis myocardial infarction (MI) who remain to be monitored in CCU for some days before discharge general medical ward, and fail attract MI or other serious illness are rapidly discharged ward. It was hypothesized that the former group would perceive severity their as being greater than latter group, exhibit patterns behaviour accord this perception. In particular, it expected patients recognition presence illness, acceptance sick role more intense affective response without MI. These expectations were examined by comparing profiles 120 survivors MI, identically obtained 40 persons admitted chest pain but neither illness. Only first, relating confirmed. all respects, among no different from seem then influenced element experience common groups, admission CCU, differences either actual degree which recognized. This suggests turn none less concerned about integrity cardiovascular systems, if psychological intervention has been shown benefit may also indicated