<i>"I can't unsee him lying in my kitchen"</i>: Understanding the trauma of family members who witness a loved one's cardiac arrest.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While there is a growing body of research in the field of post-cardiac arrest outcomes and survivorship, the lived experience of close family members who witness the arrest itself and who may have performed CPR, has not been specifically explored.

Methods

We employed qualitative interpretive descriptive methodology using key informant interviews for data collection. Participants were recruited internationally, and interviews were conducted virtually following a semi-structured format. Thematic data analysis was conducted using a constant comparative approach.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 33 family members who were present at the time of their loved ones cardiac arrest. Across the participant stories, we identified the core concept of 'base trauma'

SUBMITTER: Dainty KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12002842 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature