A Phenomenological Approach to Understanding the Impact of Chronic Ear Disease on Wellbeing in Young People: Patient and Carer Perspectives.

Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear which usually occurs in childhood. Symptoms of CSOM include ear pain, an odorous discharge and hearing loss, necessitating significant medical intervention. Previous research has largely focused on functional outcomes of CSOM using quantitative methods. Consequently, the lived experience of this condition from patient and carer perspectives is relatively unknown. The aim of the current study is to qualitatively explore the psychological impact of CSOM on young people.

Methods: A qualitative semi-structured interview design is proposed. Up to 10 young people aged 12-18 and their primary caregivers will be recruited from local ENT clinics and interviewed individually. Interviews will consider participants’ experience of the meaning of CSOM, its impact on identity and social and emotional aspects of daily life. Interviewing both patients and primary caregivers about the same phenomena will enable triangulation of the data. All interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Findings: IPA will be conducted on patient and primary caregiver interview data according to the process outlined in Smith, Larkin and Flowers (2009). Initial findings will be shared with the young people and their primary caregivers.

Discussion: The findings from the current study will lead to a greater understanding of CSOM on young people’s wellbeing and quality of life. This knowledge will enable ENT clinics and other medical teams to address the psychosocial support needs of this group and ultimately improve patient care.