A Meta-ethnography of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors’ Meanings on Life and Death

Aristidou, Maria; Vouzavali, Fotini; Karanikola, Maria; Lambrinou, Ekaterini; Papathanassoglou, Elizabeth

doi:10.1097/jcn.0000000000000467

Cited by 17 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Findings from our research expand on elements identified in a meta-synthesis of qualitative papers involving survivors of cardiac arrest 5 , and of a meta-ethnography exploring the meaning of life and death for survivors, 48 by identifying this unifying theme of 'disrupted normality'. It relates to earlier work on biographical disruption, whereby illness brings an end to taken-for-granted assumptions of everyday life, forcing individuals to reappraise their place in the world.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

Trapped in a disrupted normality: Survivors’ and partners’ experiences of life after a sudden cardiac arrest

et al. 2020

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Aim of the study: Advances in resuscitation science have resulted in a growing number of out-ofhospital 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.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 64%

Trapped in a disrupted normality: Survivors’ and partners’ experiences of life after a sudden cardiac arrest

et al. 2020

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“…28 Psychological distress is an important determinant of a survivor's health-related quality of life 29,30 which, if not addressed, can interfere with recovery. 31,32 Differences, and deteriorating, physical health status in survivors across both groups compared with the general population was also observed. Whilst providing a blunt assessment of physical function, responses to the 'Two Simple Questions' further evidenced the difficulties with everyday activities experienced by survivors in both groups, with little improvement at 6-months.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

Long term outcomes of participants in the PARAMEDIC2 randomised trial of adrenaline in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Haywood

Quinn

et al. 2021

Resuscitation

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“…Forslund et al [ 31 ] found that supportive social relationships affect health outcomes and are important for adjustment to illness. Survivors of SCA have also reported of changes in relationships with loved ones who are now in a caregiver role [ 32 , 33 ]. This is in contrast to findings in our study, indicating that survivors felt responsible for their surroundings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies have reported changes in day-to-day functioning for survivors of SCA [ 13 , 14 , 32 , 33 ]. Many of the participants in our study seemed surprised that life had not returned to normal.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The aftermath of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest for young exercisers - a qualitative study in Norway

Hardeland

Leonardsen

Isern

et al. 2022

BMC Health Serv Res

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Background When surviving a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of surviving may be present for months or years. The survivors' family and colleagues are also highly affected by the incident. There is little knowledge about experiences of surviving SCA in individuals who prior to the incident were young and reported to exercise regularly. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore the aftermath of surviving a SCA in young, regular exercisers. Methods The study had a qualitative design, conducting in-depth individual interviews with SCA survivors < 50 years of age reporting to exercise ≥ 5 h/week and/or who suffered SCA during or less than 60 min after exercise. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation in-line with recommendations from Malterud. Results 18 of 31 eligible participants were included in the study. Through analysis we identified ‘Establishing a new everyday life’ as superordinate category, with subordinate categories a) being part of my surroundings, b) expecting normality but facing a new reality and c) lucky to be alive! Conclusion This study adds knowledge about young and regular exercisers’ experiences after surviving a SCA. The obligations of everyday life in young survivors of SCA often imply a high work load and complex tasks, e.g. due to being in the beginning of their career or even still studying. Healthcare personnel, as well as the society, need to acknowledge that although lucky to be alive and apparently well-functioning, young survivors of SCA may have persistent challenges that cause frustration and reduced quality of life.

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A Meta-ethnography of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors’ Meanings on Life and Death

Cited by 17 publications

References 32 publications

Trapped in a disrupted normality: Survivors’ and partners’ experiences of life after a sudden cardiac arrest

Trapped in a disrupted normality: Survivors’ and partners’ experiences of life after a sudden cardiac arrest

Long term outcomes of participants in the PARAMEDIC2 randomised trial of adrenaline in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

The aftermath of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest for young exercisers - a qualitative study in Norway

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