Domains of Concern of Intimate Partners of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors After ICD Implantation

Abstract

Nursing intervention programs should include the intimate partner of SCA survivors and contain education and support in the following areas: (1) information on the function of the ICD, (2) normal progression of physical and emotional recovery experiences, (3) safety and maintenance of the ICD, (4) activities of daily living after an ICD, (5) strategies to assist with the survivors care, and (6) strategies to assist with partner self care.

Cardiac Disease and Its Consequences on the Partner Relationship: A Systematic Review

“…Eleven of the studies employed a qualitative methodology, whilst one [27] employed a mixed method of triangulation. Evident were that patients reported feeling overprotected by their spouses regarding performance of allowable activities [28,29,31,32,39,42,43], or desired lifestyle changes [34], which occasionally served as a fertile ground for arguments or conflicts [28,30,31,34,38,39]. Patients with an imposed driving ban, following ICD implantation, felt that their dependence on others was reinforced by the overprotectiveness and hyper-vigilance by their partners [31].…”

“…Communication deficiency was identified in the context of MI [26,28,32,[39][40][41][42][43][44] and patients with ICD [28]. Eight of the studies employed a qualitative methodology, whereas one [26] utilised a quantitative approach.…”

“…Spouses felt guilty if patients performed household work that could possibly cause physical stress [32]. Dealing with patient's household tasks and chores that were previously shared caused frustration and anxiety in spouses [28,32,39] as it limited their lives while they had to give up on other things. In ICD patients, driving restrictions made the spouse have to give up things in order to perform driving duties, which caused irritation and resentment in some patients [31].…”

Relatives’ experiences during the next of kin’s hospital stay after surviving cardiac arrest and therapeutic hypothermia

“…[15][16][17]35 Uncertainty was prevalent among relatives during the acute phase, and waiting in uncertainty was described as a time filled with anxiety and fear, which is consistent with previous findings. 14,18,22,36 In the present study, relatives described how painful it was to see their next of kin seriously ill in the ICU, and TH made their next of kin cold and seem almost dead. Touching the cold person is described as unreal, 15 and it was difficult to see a close next of kin seriously ill in the ICU.…”

“…14 Relatives' experiences of their next of kin's CA are described as strong, unexpected and chaotic, [15][16][17] and the event influences their life situation. 18,19 They have a high risk of stress, anxiety and depression during the first days after a next of kin has been admitted to the ICU. 20 Research indicates that relatives need to feel hope, receive adequate and honest information and be assured that their next of kin is getting the best possible care.…”