Keywords

 

Authors

  1. Dougherty, Cynthia M. ARNP, PhD
  2. Pyper, Gail P. RN, MA
  3. Benoliel, Jeanne Q. RN, DNSc

Abstract

Purpose: There is limited research that describes the experiences of intimate partners of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivors. The purposes of this article are to (1) describe the domains of concern of intimate partners of SCA survivors during the first year after internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation and (2) outline strategies used by partners of SCA survivors in dealing with the concerns and demands of recovery in the first year after ICD implantation.

 

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of interview data collected for the primary study "Family Experiences Following Sudden Cardiac Arrest." A grounded theory method was used to identify experiences of SCA survivors and their family members from hospitalization through the first year after ICD implantation. Data were collected from the SCA survivor and one intimate partner at 5 times: hospital discharge, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postdischarge.

 

Results: Eight Domains of Concern were identified for intimate partners following SCA and ICD implantation during the first year. These included (1) Care of the survivor, (2) My (partner) self-care, (3) Relationship, (4) ICD, (5) Money, (6) Uncertain future, (7) Health care providers, and (8) Family. Five categories of strategies to deal with the Domains of Concerns were identified (1) Care of the survivor, (2) My (partner) self-care, (3) Relationship, (4) Uncertain future, and (5) Controlling the environment.

 

Implications: 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.

 

The interactive nature of patient and family response to illness is well documented in the literature. 1-5 There is little research describing the experiences of surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) from the intimate partner's perspective. However, research focusing on other cardiac conditions suggests that recovery from life-threatening illness occurs within a family context in which the intimate partner's experience influences that of the recovering patient. 6 In addition, the current health status of the intimate partner at the time of a life-threatening event in the patient will influence the partner's ability to offer support needed to the patient in making a positive recovery. 7 Intimate partners of SCA survivors have been found to be adversely affected when the survivor receives an internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock. 8 We are interested in understanding the experiences of recovery of the intimate partners of SCA survivors to determine how nurses might best provide intervention strategies to aid in their adjustment. We are not aware of any research that describes the recovery experiences of intimate partners of SCA survivors nor do we know of nursing intervention programs that have been specifically designed to enhance their recovery. Understanding the impact of life-threatening illness on physical and mental health of intimate partners and families as well as patients, is an important area of interest to nursing.

 

The purposes of this article are to (1) describe the domains of concern of intimate partners of SCA survivors during the first year after ICD implantation and (2) outline strategies used by partners of SCA survivors in dealing with the concerns and demands of recovery in the first year after ICD implantation. This is a secondary analysis of interview data that were collected for the primary study "Family Experiences Following Sudden Cardiac Arrest". 9 This analysis can serve as the basis for the design of nursing intervention programs to facilitate adjustment of intimate partners to SCA and ICD implantation.