Experience of receiving a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment - V4
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of those receiving a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
277336
Contact name
Richard House
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 12 months, days
Research summary
Research Summary
The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of those receiving a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and the impact this may have had on individual's lives. Research conducted so far has demonstrated that those receiving a MCI diagnosis can experience this in a variety of ways. The research that has been conducted, mainly qualitative, has tended to be either thematic analysis or grounded theory. Whilst providing some insights, the research available appears to have its limitations, whether the research has failed to explain analysis thoroughly, a lack of triangulation, respondent validation and/or not considering those diagnosed with MCI in their own right. In addition, research that has been conducted tends to focus on those diagnosed with amnestic MCI however, the experience of those with non-amnestic MCI are less well understood.
In clinical practice, the process of receiving a diagnosis of MCI can be different for different people, for example, people may either receive a diagnosis of MCI at their first attendance for assessment by a specialist team, however for others, their presentation may appear unclear and require further neuropsychological testing. It could be argued that these experiences would be different and this difference has not yet been fully encapsulated in previous research. Thus, it is important that the accounts of individuals receiving a MCI diagnosis, both amnestic and non-amnestic, from different processes, be understood, in order to improve the understanding of being given a diagnosis of MCI. The information gained from exploring this topic, may well improve the process of its delivery, whether that be clarifying the diagnosis or presenting information differently, and ultimately improving clinical practice and aftercare.
Summary of Results
Four superordinate themes were identified. The superordinate theme of “The Journey to the Memory Clinic” captured the process of recognising that something was wrong, assigning the meaning of dementia and taking the step of seeking assessment. The referral to the memory clinic was understood as assessment for dementia. The superordinate theme of “Assessment process” described how the participants felt seen and heard whilst also trying to perform as well as possible when completing the tasks required. The superordinate theme of “Receiving a diagnosis of MCI” focused on how the participants experienced a sense of relief and validation however, differed in their ability to form a narrative and understanding. The final superordinate theme was “Consequences of living with MCI”. This captured the participants’ experiences of cognitive impairment and changes in relationships. It captured how participants described a new or worsening sense of being a burden. The theme also captures the existential impact of MCI, bringing about an awareness of finality and a sense of decline.
Conclusion: This study broadened the current understanding of experiences of MCI. The findings highlight the temporality of MCI and how understanding of MCI was dependent upon the ability to situate the diagnosis of MCI within a narrative. The findings offered some insight into how patients seek assessment of their difficulties and how such an assessment can be experienced. The study’s findings echo previous research, including how some people consider their difficulties to be a result of dementia and are therefore relieved to find out this is not the case. The findings also reinforce previous research that a diagnosis of MCI can be validating. Strengths and limitations of the study are considered. Clinical implications are discussed, including consideration of delivering a diagnosis of MCI within a formulation as this may facilitate narrative making and understanding. Areas of future research are recommended; this includes replicating this study with a larger sample size to explore convergence and divergence of experiences of MCI.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
20/ES/0086
Date of REC Opinion
9 Sep 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion