TRANSCENDING CHRONIC LIVER-DISEASE - A QUALITATIVE STUDY

This study explores and describes experiences of chronic liver disease from the patient's perspective. No qualitative research studies appea r to have examined the experiences of these patients. In-depth focused interviews and grounded theory data collection and data analysis meth ods were used. ii two-stage theoretical framework (becoming ill, and n ot living) of the experience of transcending chronic liver disease is presented. Sociological and psychological literature on common sense m odels of health and illness are briefly reviewed. Several suggestions for further research are made. The way in which this qualitative resea rch study is leading to a quantitative and qualitative appraisal of th e psychological adjustment in end-stage chronic liver disease patients is outlined.