Contextual factors influencing patients' experiences of acute deterioration and medical emergency team (MET) encounter: A grounded theory study

AIM: This paper explores the personal, social and structural factors that influence patients' experiences of acute deterioration and medical emergency team (MET) encounter. BACKGROUND: Patient experience is recognized as a means of assessing healthcare delivery with a positive experience being linked to high‐quality healthcare, improved patient safety and reduced length of stay. The experience of acute deterioration is unique, extensive and complex. However, little is known about this experience from the patient's perspective. DESIGN: Constructivist grounded theory, informed by Kathy Charmaz, was used to explore the personal, social and structural factors that influence patients' experiences of acute deterioration and MET encounter. METHODS: Using a semi‐structured interview guide, in‐depth individual interviews were conducted with 27 patients from three healthcare services in Victoria, Australia. Data were collected over a 12‐month period from 2018 to 2019. Interview data were analysed using grounded theory processes. FINDINGS: Contextual factors exert a powerful influence on patients' experiences of acute deterioration and MET encounter. The most significant factors identified include patients' expectations and illness perception, relationship with healthcare professionals during MET call and past experiences of acute illness. The expectations and perceptions patients had about their disease can condition their overall experience. Healthcare professional–patient interactions can significantly impact quality of care, patient experience and recovery. Patients' experiences of illness and healthcare can impact a person's future health‐seeking behaviour and health status. CONCLUSION: Patients' actions and processes about their experiences of acute deterioration and MET encounter are the result of the complex interface of contextual factors. IMPACT: The findings from this study have highlighted the need for revised protocols for screening and management of patients who experience acute deterioration.