Lived Experiences of Elderly Patients with Respiratory Failure: Clinical Dilemmas and Coping Strategies in Respiratory Medicine

Abstract

This descriptive phenomenological study explored the lived experiences, clinical dilemmas, and coping strategies of eight elderly patients with respiratory failure at Guizhou Cancer Hospital. Purposively selected participants completed individual semi-structured interviews during the first two weeks of May 2026. Interviews lasted 30–45 minutes, were transcribed manually, and were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Four themes emerged: trajectory of respiratory distress toward partial stabilization amid persistent vulnerability; emotional isolation and psychosocial deprivation in hospital and institutional care; dependence, family support, and anxiety triggered by inconsistent care responsiveness; and severe physical frailty and spousal-dependent emotional coping in life-threatening illness. Participants described breathlessness, loss of independence, fear, and continuing emotional vulnerability despite physical improvement. Family presence, compassionate communication, and timely assistance supported coping and perceived security. The fundamental structure revealed respiratory failure as a disruption of embodied existence in which recovery encompasses emotional security and relational connection alongside physiological stabilization. The findings informed Liu’s Integrated Respiratory Care and Psychosocial Support Framework, a proposed model integrating respiratory management, emotional reassurance, family involvement, responsive care, and dignity-preserving support. Expert validation and pilot implementation are recommended before full application.