Changing choices: disabled and chronically ill people's experiences of reconsidering choices

TY - JOUR

T1 - Changing choices

T2 - disabled and chronically ill people's experiences of reconsidering choices

AU - Baxter, Kate

PY - 2013/6

Y1 - 2013/6

N2 - Objectives: To increase understanding of disabled and chronically ill people's experiences of revisiting choices by considering events that prompted people to reconsider choices, what factors motivated them to act upon these events and what factors affected their experiences of revisiting choices. Methods: A sub-sample of 20 disabled and chronically ill people who took part in a qualitative, longitudinal study exploring choice-making in the context of changing circumstances. Each person was interviewed three times. Analysis focussed on choices that people had been prompted to revisit. Results: Most choices were about health or social care and were revisited within a year due to: changes in health or social circumstances, poorer than expected outcomes, and external interventions. People were motivated to make changes by a desire to maintain independence and control, but perceived short-term costs of decision-making could act as a deterrent. Experiences of revisiting choices were affected by help from other people and emotional strength. Discussion: Making and revisiting choices is complex, people need support to engage with the continual cycle of choice-making. People who instigate revisions of their own accord may be particularly vulnerable to lack of support.

AB - Objectives: To increase understanding of disabled and chronically ill people's experiences of revisiting choices by considering events that prompted people to reconsider choices, what factors motivated them to act upon these events and what factors affected their experiences of revisiting choices. Methods: A sub-sample of 20 disabled and chronically ill people who took part in a qualitative, longitudinal study exploring choice-making in the context of changing circumstances. Each person was interviewed three times. Analysis focussed on choices that people had been prompted to revisit. Results: Most choices were about health or social care and were revisited within a year due to: changes in health or social circumstances, poorer than expected outcomes, and external interventions. People were motivated to make changes by a desire to maintain independence and control, but perceived short-term costs of decision-making could act as a deterrent. Experiences of revisiting choices were affected by help from other people and emotional strength. Discussion: Making and revisiting choices is complex, people need support to engage with the continual cycle of choice-making. People who instigate revisions of their own accord may be particularly vulnerable to lack of support.

KW - disabled adults

KW - chronically ill adults

KW - Choice/decision making

KW - social care services

KW - health services

KW - independence

U2 - 10.1177/1742395312460410

DO - 10.1177/1742395312460410

M3 - Article

SN - 1742-3953

VL - 9

SP - 116

EP - 132

JO - Chronic illness

JF - Chronic illness

IS - 2

ER -