Experiences of surviving a cardiac arrest after therapeutic hypothermia treatment. An interview study.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest (CA) is often associated with high mortality. In Sweden, it is reported that 13-52 per 100,000 people suffer out-of-hospital CA, and survival to one month is 2-14%.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe people's experiences of surviving a CA after therapeutic hypothermia treatment.

METHOD: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Data were collected through individual interviews with seven CA survivors. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis resulted in six subthemes and three emerging themes. The themes were "Dealing with issues of mortality", "Living a changed life", and "Being confident with health care and family members".

CONCLUSION

Surviving a CA after therapeutic hypothermia treatment means having to deal with issues of mortality, and these patients face a turning point in life. The near-death event can create regression or progression in ethos among these patients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study implies that persons who have survived a CA need support to cope. One way to provide support might be to initially establish an individualized health care plan, including bringing up existential issues and involving family members in such conversations.