Exploring the lived experience of individuals with vocal cord dysfunction using interpretative phenomenological analysis

Maskell, Catherine Corinne (2015). Exploring the lived experience of individuals with vocal cord dysfunction using interpretative phenomenological analysis. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Background:
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a medical condition which impacts on breathing ability and can be misdiagnosed as asthma and therefore treated inappropriately (Mansur, 2013). There is some evidence that psychological factors can contribute to the onset and maintenance of the condition (Morris et al., 2013). Little has been written about the patient experience of VCD and therefore this study was seeking to understand what it is like to live with the condition.
Aim:
To explore how individuals live with VCD and the impact it has on their lives.
Methods:
Six adults diagnosed with VCD were interviewed and transcripts were analysed via Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (Willig, 2009).
Analysis:
Seven themes are reported to illustrate the experience of living with VCD.
Conclusions:
Analysis illuminated three broad areas: l. Living with VCD requires ongoing reassertion that it exists, which can be difficult. 2. VCD can be a chaotic and traumatic condition to experience. 3. The mind has a key role to play in management.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):