Feeling responsible but unsupported: how relatives of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience the transition from hospital to daily life – a focus group study

Camilla Dichman*, Mette Kirstine Wagner, Vicky L. Joshi, Camilla Bernild

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
33 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Aim: To generate knowledge about how relatives of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience the transition between hospital and daily life. The research question was “how do relatives of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience collaboration and communication with healthcare professionals, and what is emphasized as important in the transition from hospital to daily life”.

Design: Qualitative design.

Methods: Six semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 23 relatives of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors who participated in a residential rehabilitation course. Data was collected between November 2018 and March 2019. Transcripts were analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach.

Results: The analysis generated three themes “a necessary presence,” “communication with healthcare professionals on the cardiac ward” and “the abrupt disappearance of the system.” Relatives of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors feel a great responsibility when coping and adjusting to their new life. In the transition to daily life, a focus on systematic involvement and collaboration with relatives should be an essential part of the post-cardiac arrest pathway.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2520-2527
Number of pages8
JournalNursing Open
Volume8
Issue number5
Early online date27 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • communication
  • focus group
  • healthcare professionals
  • healthcare system
  • out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
  • relatives

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Feeling responsible but unsupported: how relatives of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience the transition from hospital to daily life – a focus group study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this