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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d4017337e103">Anaphylaxis is a serious, rare condition increasing
in prevalence. This study explored
the psychological experience of adult-onset anaphylaxis from patient, family and staff
perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Two
global themes emerged from thematic analysis: 'controllability' ('an unknown and distressing
experience', 'the importance of control over triggers' and 'responsibility but no
control: the impact on others') and 'conflict' ('rejecting illness identity', 'minimisation
of risk', 'accessing specialist care: running in slow motion' and 'patient-centred
versus service-centred care'). Findings highlight the importance of perceived control
and emphasise the presence of conflict in the experience of this complex, episodic
condition.
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