Laura Whitehead1, Stephanie Tierney2, Deborah Biggerstaff3, Gavin D Perkins1, Kirstie L Haywood4. 1. Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. 2. Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, United Kingdom. 3. Warwick Mental Health and Wellbeing, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry. CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. 4. Warwick Research in Nursing, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry. CV4 7AL, United Kingdom. Electronic address: k.l.haywood@warwick.ac.uk.
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY: Advances in resuscitation science have resulted in a growing number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. However, we know very little about the natural history of recovery and the unmet needs of survivors and their partners. This qualitative study sought to address this knowledge gap to improve understanding of the consequences of surviving cardiac arrest. METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were undertaken separately with survivors and their partners between 3 and 12-months following the cardiac arrest. An interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to data analysis was adopted. Developing themes were discussed between members of the research team. RESULTS: 8 survivors (41-79 years; 5 male; mean time 6.3 months post-hospital discharge) and 3 partners (1 male) were interviewed. The key (super-ordinate) theme of being 'trapped in a disrupted normality' was identified within the data. Five related subordinate themes included: existential impact, physical ramifications, emotional consequences, limiting participation in social activities and altered family roles. CONCLUSION: Recovery for survivors is hindered by a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual challenges that disrupt perceptions of 'normality'. Survivors and their carers may benefit from focussing on establishing a 'new normal' rather than striving to achieve a pre-cardiac social and physical position. Survivor-centred assessment should support rather than undermine this goal.
AIM OF THE STUDY: Advances in resuscitation science have resulted in a growing number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. However, we know very little about the natural history of recovery and the unmet needs of survivors and their partners. This qualitative study sought to address this knowledge gap to improve understanding of the consequences of surviving cardiac arrest. METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were undertaken separately with survivors and their partners between 3 and 12-months following the cardiac arrest. An interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to data analysis was adopted. Developing themes were discussed between members of the research team. RESULTS: 8 survivors (41-79 years; 5 male; mean time 6.3 months post-hospital discharge) and 3 partners (1 male) were interviewed. The key (super-ordinate) theme of being 'trapped in a disrupted normality' was identified within the data. Five related subordinate themes included: existential impact, physical ramifications, emotional consequences, limiting participation in social activities and altered family roles. CONCLUSION: Recovery for survivors is hindered by a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual challenges that disrupt perceptions of 'normality'. Survivors and their carers may benefit from focussing on establishing a 'new normal' rather than striving to achieve a pre-cardiac social and physical position. Survivor-centred assessment should support rather than undermine this goal.
Authors: Alex Presciutti; Mary M Newman; Kelly N Sawyer; Sachin Agarwal; Sarah M Perman Journal: Ther Hypothermia Temp Manag Date: 2021-05-11 Impact factor: 1.369
Authors: Marco Mion; Rosalind Case; Karen Smith; Gisela Lilja; Erik Blennow Nordström; Paul Swindell; Eleni Nikolopoulou; Jean Davis; Kelly Farrell; Ellie Gudde; Grigoris V Karamasis; John R Davies; William D Toff; Benjamin S Abella; Thomas R Keeble Journal: Resusc Plus Date: 2021-07-29