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When the unreal becomes real: family members’ experiences of cardiac arrest
Author(s) -
Weslien Marita,
Nilstun Tore,
Lundqvist Anita,
Fridlund Bengt
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
nursing in critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1478-5153
pISSN - 1362-1017
DOI - 10.1111/j.1362-1017.2005.00094.x
Subject(s) - sympathy , distancing , perspective (graphical) , medicine , psychology , nursing , family member , family medicine , social psychology , covid-19 , disease , artificial intelligence , computer science , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Summary • The aim of this study was to provide insight into family members’ experiences related to cardiac arrest • Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with 17 family members approximately 5–34 months after the cardiac arrest of a relative. As the focus was on the family members’ experiences seen from a holistic perspective, content analysis was chosen for the study • When the event occurred to the patient, family members realized the need for assistance and managed to initiate first actions • When the emergency medical service arrived, family members responded to stress and forgot their own needs • When the staff took over at the hospital, family members not only received sympathy but also encountered professional distancing • Because their experiences vary widely, the encounter has to be developed through a comforting, sympathetic and respectful dialogue in consideration for individuals’ preferences