Partners' ambivalence towards cardiac arrest and hypothermia treatment: a qualitative study

Abstract

Nurses play a pivotal role in providing partners with information and in nurturing hope and feelings of security. Partners need to fully understand the reason for hypothermia treatment to enable them to accept the cold body as part of a life-saving process. We recommend follow-up after discharge. This may increase the partners' sense of security and control.

Therapeutic Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest and Return of Spontaneous Circulation

“…Seeing them receiving a high level of care may be reassuring. 32 Families only want honest, pertinent information. They report that they already feel overwhelmed by the situation and by large numbers of visitors and telephone calls.…”

“…They want to know what to expect, what nurses are looking for during monitoring and assessments, and when attempts to awaken the patient will begin. 32 Waiting throughout the entire hypothermia protocol including the neuroprognostication period is stressful. Care should be taken to openly and honestly inform families that only approximately half of all patients awaken with a positive neurologic outcome.…”

“…6,33,34 Fear of the future during this period is normal and acceptable. 32 Preparing the families for all possible scenarios is important. 32,34 Nurses must carefully evaluate the family for stressors and supports.…”

“…32 Preparing the families for all possible scenarios is important. 32,34 Nurses must carefully evaluate the family for stressors and supports. Use of resources, such as chaplains, social work, and palliative care, can be beneficial as the patient progresses through the hypothermia protocol.…”

What's in this issue?

“…The paper by Hom et al (2012) provides an insight into the experiences of partners of patients who have a cardiac arrest and hypothermia treatment. This Norwegian phenomenological study illuminates some critical issues for relatives following their experience.…”