Exploring the Maintenance of Social Connection for Adults Living with Complex Medical Conditions in New Zealand: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Complex medical conditions (CMCs) are persistent and ongoing health conditions that substantially impact an individual’s life and require treatments and services from a variety of healthcare specialists. One area likely to be impacted for this health population is the social dimension of their lives. An understanding of how social connection is maintained by individuals living with CMCs may be used to guide support initiatives. This study sought to answer the research question, “How is social connection maintained by individuals living with Serious and complex medical conditions?”

Participants / Method: In 2018 face-to-face interviews were conducted with 30 participants who lived with CMCs. Reflexive thematic analysis was used in the current study to analyse the data from 12 of these interviews. Participants ranged in age from 24 to 60 years of age and had lived with their conditions for an average of 15 years.

Findings: Six themes were derived from data analysis that gave insight as to how adults living with complex medical conditions maintained social connection: Social connection is maintained despite health challenges; Social interaction is constrained; Social connection is enhanced by prioritising needs; Technology and connection to the outside; CMCs are linked to experiences of social isolation and loneliness; and, connecting through shared experience positively influences social connection.

Conclusion: For those living with CMCs regular connection was made with close friends and family despite health challenges. Individuals made efforts to maintain social connection because it was considered important. Physical and emotional condition related factors constrained social interaction. Social connectedness was facilitated by prioritising needs and planning and preparing for social events. Technology significantly enhanced social connection. Individuals living with CMCs experienced social isolation and loneliness but had a variety of strategies to manage these experiences. Owning a dog positively impacted experiences of isolation and loneliness. Connecting through shared experience encouraged reciprocal engagement including informational and emotional support.