A Study on the Experience of Living with Multiple Long-term Diseases that Lack Subjective Symptoms

Abstract

This paper describes and analyses how patients cope with multiple long-term chronic diseases that lack subjective symptoms, examining intentionality from a phenomenological perspective, based on narratives given via unstructured interviews. Key experiences for patients involved “having been a long-term outpatient,” “being in a loose regimen” and “being motivated to visit the hospital for reassurance.” Patients received regular checkups to confirm their conditions were “in acceptable range” without pressure from doctors. A collaborative care style of joint management by patients and healthcare professionals has helped patients cope with long-term diseases.