Domains of nursing intervention after sudden cardiac arrest and automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator implantation

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore individual and Family expe riences after sudden cardiac arrest and automatic internal cardioverter def ibrillator implantation during the first year of recovery. This report spec ifically addresses the domains of concern expressed and helpful strategies used by participants that are relevant to the development of future interve ntion programs. DESIGN: A grounded theory approach was used to gain an understanding of are as of concern of sudden cardiac arrest survivors and families that could be used when designing future nursing interventions. Semistructured interview s were conducted with both sudden cardiac arrest survivors and 1 family mem ber each at 5 points during the first year of recovery (hospitalization; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after hospitalization). Participants were asked to ide ntify those specific areas that most concerned them and that they would lik e assistance with during the first year. A total of 150 interviews were con ducted with 176 hours of data generated. SETTING: The study focused on 10 northwest urban community medical centers and participants' homes within a 50-mile driving distance from the medical centers. SAMPLE: The sample included 15 first-time sudden cardiac arrest survivors ( 13 men and 2 women) and 1 family member each between the ages of 31 and 72 years. RESULTS: Domains of concern identified by participants that can be used to design future nursing intervention programs included preventive care, deali ng with automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator shocks, emotional cha llenges, physical changes, activities of daily living, partner relationship s, and dealing with health care providers. Suggestions of helpful strategie s used by participants during the first year are outlined. IMPLICATIONS: Domains of concern and helpful strategies identified by parti cipants provide a framework for the development and resting of nursing inte rvention programs to enhance recovery following sudden cardiac arrest for s urvivors and their families.