Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives on the management of patients with peripheral arterial disease: a qualitative interview study
Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a significant yet under-recognised cardiovascular condition affecting over 113 million individuals aged 40 and above globally. Most symptomatic patients face major cardiovascular events or amputations within five years of symptom initiation. Despite proven benefits, adherence to pharmacotherapy (antiplatelets and lipid-lowering agents) and lifestyle management (exercise and smoking cessation) remains low. Our previous qualitative study of patients with PAD highlighted that their perception of the condition and treatment plan heavily influences adherence. With PAD requiring complex, multidisciplinary care, understanding healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives on adherence barriers and facilitators is critical.
To explore the perspectives of HCPs looking after patients with PAD on barriers and facilitators impacting PAD management.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually or face-to-face with HCPs from diverse clinical settings in England. Participants were purposively sampled to capture a wide range of perspectives. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. A stakeholder engagement group supported pilot testing of the topic guide and data analysis.
Eighteen HCPs were interviewed, including four vascular surgeons, three vascular nurse specialists, three podiatrists, three physiotherapists/physiologists, two General Practitioners (GPs), two pharmacists and one…
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