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When the unreal becomes real: family members’ experiences of cardiac arrest
Authors: Marita Weslien, RN, MSc, Doct.cand, Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Tore Nilstun, PhD, Professor, Medical Ethics & Lund University, St. Gråbrödersg, Lund, Sweden; Anita Lundqvist, RN, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Bengt Fridlund, RN, PhD, Professor, Department of Nursing, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
*Marita Weslien, PO Box 157, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
E-mail:marita.weslien@omv.lu.se
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