Abstract 389: Doctor Are You Listening?

A qualitative study of 395 women with varying forms of cardiovascular disease was conducted and participants were asked what concerns them most regarding their diagnosis. Overwhelmingly, most women listed “fear of early death” and “leaving their children motherless”. Interestingly, a large number of women listed “lack of attention from their physician” as a concern. They stated this lack of concern as being detrimental to their diagnosis and prognosis. Examples of authentic statements from these women are as follows:“Poor follow up with my family practice doctor.”“I wish the damn doctor would take a woman’s concerns seriously.”“Will my current cardiologist be able to continue to care for me with the current trend in insurance?”“My cardiologist doesn’t listen to me.”A thematic analysis of these statements shows that the attention of their physician regarding self-care methods and next steps in treatment is considered by these women to be important for their ongoing health and recovery.Next steps for clinicians: •Employ nurse practitioners and physician assistants to develop educational processes to enhance giving and receiving of complex information and having difficult conversations. •Provide follow up with patients between physician appointments by nurse practitioners and PAs in order to be able to order any necessary prescriptive interventions and referrals. This intensity of care may make these women feel as though their concerns are being heard.