1
|
Larsson AL, Beck I, Janlöv AC, Einberg EL. Nurse assistants' experiences of encountering patients in grief due to the death of a loved one - a qualitative study in municipal health and social care. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2330116. [PMID: 38493488 PMCID: PMC10946262 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2330116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim was to explore nurse assistants´ experiences of paying attention to and encountering patients receiving municipal health and social care, who are in grief due to the death of a loved one. METHODS A qualitative study with focus group interviews (n = 6) was conducted with nurse assistants (NAs) (n = 28) in municipal health and social care (n = 5) in southern Sweden. The data were analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Three categories (1) Noticing changes in the patient, (2) Using different strategies to create a dialogue with the patient, (3) Experiencing challenges when encountering patients in grief, included eight sub-categories were identified. The result is captured in the theme of Having to be attentive to signs of grief after patients´ loss of loved ones, sensing the right time to approach and comfort, while having to cope with emotional challenges. CONCLUSIONS The NAs encountered expressions of strong emotions from patients in grief, and even expressions of a desire to end their lives. Additionally, the NAs had to deal with their own emotions that were evoked when meeting patients in grief. These challenges indicate the need for enhanced conditions in the work culture, and improved training and supervision in health and social care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lie Larsson
- The Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Ingela Beck
- The Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
- The Institute for Palliative Care, Lund University and Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ann-Christin Janlöv
- The Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Eva-Lena Einberg
- The Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang D, Liu Y, Chen N, Li Y, Li X. Experiences and needs of family members following sudden cardiac death: A meta-synthesis. Int J Nurs Stud 2024:104872. [PMID: 39183139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This meta-synthesis of qualitative studies aimed to explore the experiences and needs of family members of victims of sudden cardiac death. DESIGN A meta-synthesis was conducted. DATA SOURCES Five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched from establishment to May 2024. From initial searches with essential keywords (sudden cardiac death, family members, and qualitative studies), 3021 articles were retrieved. There were eight studies in the meta-synthesis, selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. REVIEW METHODS We evaluated the quality of the included studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme-Qualitative Research Checklist. RESULTS Eight studies from six countries reported on the experiences and needs of family members who had lost someone to sudden cardiac death, and five analytical themes were synthesized: negative emotional reaction, finding cause of death, rebuilding life, meaning reconstruction and need for support. These experiences and needs fuse with each other and are relevant to the health and future of the family members. CONCLUSION Negative emotional reaction is a necessary process for family members dealing with sudden cardiac death, and rebuilding life is a challenge that family members must face. In the process of family members rebuilding normal life, finding the cause of death is the foundation, and meaning reconstruction is the core. Many of the needs faced by these family members are not well met, and policymakers and bereavement teams should provide comprehensive and personalized interventions for them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yiting Liu
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Niu Chen
- School of Medicine, HuangHuai University, Zhumadian, Henan Province, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China; Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Louis LA, Appiah-Kubi A, Owusu-Antwi R, Konney TO, Moyer CA, Lawrence ER. "Nobody gave me information": Hospital experiences of Ghanaian families after maternal mortalities. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100358. [PMID: 38975046 PMCID: PMC11225643 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rates of maternal mortality are highest in low-resource settings. Family members are often involved in the critical periods surrounding a maternal death, including transportation to health centers and financial and emotional support during hospital admissions. Maternal death has devastating impacts on surviving family members, which are often overlooked and understudied. Objective Our study aimed to explore the hospital experiences of family members surrounding a maternal death, and to define their access to and need for institutional and psychosocial support. Study Design This mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted at an urban tertiary hospital in Ghana. Maternal mortalities from June 2019 to December 2020 were identified using death certificates. Participants, defined as husbands or other heads of households in families affected by maternal mortality, were purposively recruited. An interview guide was developed using grounded theory. In-person semi-structured interviews were conducted in English or Twi to explore impacts of maternal mortality on family members, with a focus on hospital experiences. Surveys were administered on types of and needs for institutional support. Interviews were audio recorded, translated, transcribed, coded with an iteratively-developed codebook, and thematically analyzed. Survey data was descriptively analyzed. Results Fifty-one participants included 26 husbands of the deceased woman, 5 parents, 12 siblings, and 8 second-degree relatives. Interviews revealed an overall negative hospital experience for surviving family members, who expressed substantial dissatisfaction and distress. Four themes regarding the hospital experience emerged from the interviews: 1) poor communication from healthcare workers and hospital personnel, which contributed to 2) limited understanding of the patient's clinical status, hospital course, and cause of death; 3) maternal death perceived as avoidable; and 4) maternal death perceived as unexpected and shocking. Survey data revealed that only 10% of participants were provided psychosocial support following the maternal death event, yet 93.3% of those who did not receive support desired this resource. Conclusion The hospital experience was overall negative for family members and a lack of effective communication emerged as the root cause of this negative perception. Strategies to improve communication between healthcare providers and families are essential. In addition, there is an unmet need for formal mental health resources for families who experience a maternal death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- LeAnn A. Louis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Louis, Moyer, Lawrence)
| | - Adu Appiah-Kubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana (Appiah-Kubi)
| | - Ruth Owusu-Antwi
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana (Owusu-Antwi)
- Department of Psychiatry, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana (Owusu-Antwi)
| | - Thomas O. Konney
- Directorate of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana (Konney)
| | - Cheryl A. Moyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Louis, Moyer, Lawrence)
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Moyer)
| | - Emma R. Lawrence
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Louis, Moyer, Lawrence)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Waldemar A, Bremer A, Strömberg A, Thylen I. Family presence during in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: effects of an educational online intervention on self-confidence and attitudes of healthcare professionals. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024; 23:486-496. [PMID: 38165264 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Guidelines support family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital if deemed to be safe, yet barriers amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) still exist. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an educational online video intervention on nurses' and physicians' attitudes towards in-hospital FWR and their self-confidence in managing such situations. METHODS AND RESULTS A pre- and post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted October 2022 to March 2023 at six Swedish hospitals involving the departments of emergency care, medicine, and surgery. The 10 min educational video intervention was based on previous research covering the prevalence and outcome of FWR, attitudes of HCP, patient and family experiences, and practical and ethical guidelines about FWR.In total, 193 accepted participation, whereof 91 answered the post-test survey (47.2%) with complete data available for 78 and 61 participants for self-confidence and attitudes, respectively. The self-confidence total mean scores increased from 3.83 to 4.02 (P < 0.001) as did the total mean scores for attitudes towards FWR (3.38 to 3.62, P < 0.001). The majority (71.0%) had positive views of FWR at baseline and had experiences of in-hospital FWR (58.0%). Self-confidence was highest amongst participants for the delivery of chest compressions (91.2%), defibrillation (88.6%), and drug administration (83.3%) during FWR. Self-confidence was lowest (58.1%) for encouraging and attending to the family during resuscitation. CONCLUSION This study suggests that a short online educational video can be an effective way to improve HCP's self-confidence and attitudes towards the inclusion of family members during resuscitation and can support HCP in making informed decisions about FWR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Waldemar
- Department of Cardiology in Norrköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anders Bremer
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-351 95 Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anna Strömberg
- Department of Cardiology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ingela Thylen
- Department of Cardiology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bristowe K, Timmins L, Pitman A, Braybrook D, Marshall S, Johnson K, King M, Roach A, Yi D, Almack K, Day E, Clift P, Rose R, Harding R. Between loss and restoration: The role of liminality in advancing theories of grief and bereavement. Soc Sci Med 2024; 344:116616. [PMID: 38310729 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
A recent national survey of bereaved partners found high levels of complicated grief and psychological distress, with evidence that loneliness and isolation may contribute to these outcomes. However, the mechanisms of action for this have not been explored. To advance grief theory this paper reports analysis of the survey free-text data to examine the relationship between social support and emotional responses to bereavement. Individuals bereaved of a civil partner or spouse 6-10 months previously were identified through death registration data. 569/1945 (29 %) completed surveys were received. Of those, 311 participants (55 %) provided responses to two free-text questions which asked about their 'feelings since the death of their partner or spouse', and 'about the support around' them. Data were analysed using corpus-assisted discourse analysis and the discourse dynamics approach for figurative language. Participants described diverse emotional responses to the bereavement (e.g. sadness, anger, denial, acceptance), and the value of formal and informal bereavement support. Although many of the experiences described are accounted for in existing grief theory, some participants described a liminal experience not recognised within these theories. They felt trapped, unable to engage with loss or restoration, and unable to move forward as their planned future no longer existed. They sought out 'communitas' (solidarity in experiences), but often found support from their social networks had diminished. Metaphors were used to describe this liminality, with partner grief expressed as a dark agentic force, a monster, an abyss, and as water. The findings of this study offer original insights into experiences and trajectories of bereavement, and our understandings of prolonged or complicated grief. A novel model 'Between Loss and Restoration' is presented to include these experiences. Recognition of the place for liminality within the spectrum of grief experiences could enhance grief literacy and improve formal and informal bereavement support provision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Bristowe
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, UK.
| | - Liadh Timmins
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK; Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St. Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE, UK.
| | - Debbie Braybrook
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, UK.
| | - Steve Marshall
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, UK; King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - Katherine Johnson
- Social and Global Studies Centre, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.
| | - Michael King
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Anna Roach
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Deokhee Yi
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, UK.
| | - Kathryn Almack
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK.
| | | | - Paul Clift
- Patient and Public Involvement Representative, UK.
| | - Ruth Rose
- Patient and Public Involvement Representative, UK.
| | - Richard Harding
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, Bessemer Road, London, SE5 9PJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Douma MJ, Myhre C, Ali S, Graham TAD, Ruether K, Brindley PG, Dainty KN, Smith KE, Montgomery CL, Dennet L, Picard C, Frazer K, Kroll T. What Are the Care Needs of Families Experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest? A Survivor- and Family-Performed Systematic Review, Qualitative Meta-Synthesis, and Clinical Practice Recommendations. J Emerg Nurs 2023; 49:912-950. [PMID: 37737785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac arrest care systems are being designed and implemented to address patients', family members', and survivors' care needs. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-synthesis to understand family experiences and care needs during cardiac arrest care to create treatment recommendations. METHODS We searched eight electronic databases to identify articles. Study findings were extracted, coded and synthesized. Confidence in the quality, coherence, relevance, and adequacy of data underpinning the resulting findings was assessed using GRADE-CERQual methods. RESULTS In total 4181 studies were screened, and 39 met our inclusion criteria; these studies enrolled 215 survivors and 418 family participants-which includes both co-survivors and bereaved family members. From these studies findings and participant data we identified 5 major analytical themes: (1) When the crisis begins we must respond; (2) Anguish from uncertainty, we need to understand; (3) Partnering in care, we have much to offer; (4) The crisis surrounding the victim, ignore us, the family, no longer; (5) Our family's emergency is not over, now is when we need help the most. Confidence in the evidence statements are provided along with our review findings. DISCUSSION The family experience of cardiac arrest care is often chaotic, distressing, complex and the aftereffects are long-lasting. Patient and family experiences could be improved for many people. High certainty family care needs identified in this review include rapid recognition and response, improved information sharing, more effective communication, supported presence and participation, or supported absence, and psychological aftercare.
Collapse
|
7
|
Allan KS, Mason KL, Garner J, Dainty KN, Huyer D, Cunningham K, Dorian P, Lewis KB. " It's Overwhelming With the Grief" A Qualitative Study of Families' Experiences When a Young Relative Dies of Sudden Cardiac Death. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2023; 16:e009524. [PMID: 37013814 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.122.009524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in younger individuals is frequently caused by heritable cardiac conditions. The unexpected nature of SCD leaves families with many unanswered questions and an insufficient understanding of the cause of death and their own risk for heritable disease. We explored the experiences of families of young SCD victims upon learning about their relative's cause of death and how they perceive their own risk for heritable cardiac conditions. METHODS We conducted a qualitative descriptive study, by interviewing families of young (ages 12-45) SCD victims, who died between 2014 and 2018 from a heritable cardiac condition and were investigated by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Canada. We used thematic analysis to analyze the transcripts. RESULTS Between 2018 and 2020, we interviewed 19 family members, of which 10 were males and 9 were females, ages ranging from 21 to 65 (average 46.2±13.1). Four main themes were revealed, each representing a distinct time period that families experience along a trajectory: (1) interactions between bereaved family and others, in particular coroners, shaped their search for answers about their relative's cause of death, with the types, formats, and timing of communication varying by case; (2) searching for answers and processing the cause of death; (3) incidental implications of the SCD event, such as financial strain and lifestyle changes contributed to cumulative stress; (4) receiving answers (or not) and moving forward. CONCLUSIONS Families rely on communication with others, yet the type, formats, and timing of information received varies, which can influence families' experiences of processing the death (and its cause), their perceived risk and their decision to pursue cascade screening. These results may provide key insights for the interprofessional health care team responsible for the delivery and communication of the cause of death to families of SCD victims.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Allan
- Division of Cardiology, Unity Health Toronto - St. Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada (K.S.A., P.D.)
| | | | - Jodi Garner
- Family Member, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.G.)
| | - Katie N Dainty
- Research Chair, Patient Centred Outcomes, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.N.D.)
| | - Dirk Huyer
- Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, Toronto, Canada (D.H.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (D.H., K.C., P.D.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics (D.H.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kris Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (D.H., K.C., P.D.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (K.C.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (K.C.)
| | - Paul Dorian
- Division of Cardiology, Unity Health Toronto - St. Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada (K.S.A., P.D.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (D.H., K.C., P.D.), University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krystina B Lewis
- Faculty of Health Sciences School of Nursing, University of Ottawa (K.B.L.)
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ontario, Canada (K.B.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
What are the care needs of families experiencing cardiac arrest?: A survivor and family led scoping review. Resuscitation 2021; 168:119-141. [PMID: 34592400 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM The sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest of a family member can be a grief-filled and life-altering event. Every year many hundreds of thousands of families experience the cardiac arrest of a family member. However, care of the family during the cardiac arrest and afteris poorly understood and incompletely described. This review has been performed with persons with lived experience of cardiac arrest to describe, "What are the needs of families experiencing cardiac arrest?" from the moment of collapse until the outcome is known. METHODS This review was guided by specific methodological framework and reporting items (PRISMA-ScR) as well as best practices in patient and public involvement in research and reporting (GRIPP2). A search strategy was developed for eight online databases and a grey literature review. Two reviewers independently assessed all articles for inclusion and extracted relevant study information. RESULTS We included 47 articles examining the experience and care needs of families experiencing cardiac arrest of a family member. Forty one articles were analysed as six represented duplicate data. Ten family care need themes were identified across five domains. The domains and themes transcended cardiac arrest setting, aetiology, family-member age and family composition. The five domains were i) focus on the family member in cardiac arrest, ii) collaboration of the resuscitation team and family, iii) consideration of family context, iv) family post-resuscitation needs, and v) dedicated policies and procedures. We propose a conceptual model of family centred cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION Our review provides a comprehensive mapping and description of the experience of families and their care needs during the cardiac arrest of a family-member. Furthermore, our review was conducted with co-investigators and collaborators with lived experience of cardiac arrest (survivors and family members of survivors and non-survivors alike). The conceptual framework of family centred cardiac arrest care presented may aid resuscitation scientists and providers in adopting greater family centeredness to their work.
Collapse
|
9
|
Carlsson N, Alvariza A, Bremer A, Axelsson L, Årestedt K. Symptoms of Prolonged Grief and Self-Reported Health Among Bereaved Family Members of Persons Who Died From Sudden Cardiac Arrest. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2021; 87:66-86. [PMID: 34011206 PMCID: PMC10064453 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211018115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sudden cardiac arrest is common and is one of the leading causes of death in the western world, and the sudden loss following cardiac arrest may have a significant impact on bereaved family members' health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe symptoms of prolonged grief and self-reported health among bereaved family members of persons who died from sudden cardiac arrest, with comparisons between spouses and non-spouses. This was a cross-sectional observation study with 108 adult family members who completed a questionnaire. A fifth of the family members reported prolonged grief, and problems with self-reported health were common, especially regarding anxiety. Spouses reported more problems with prolonged grief and self-reported health compared with non-spouses. The risk of these family members developing prolonged grief and health problems should be recognized, and professional support should be offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Carlsson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences/Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden.,Capio Palliative Care, Dalen Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Bremer
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.,Department of Ambulance Service, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Lena Axelsson
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.,The Research Section, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|