Health professionals and family members during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A qualitative study on the experience of witnessing resuscitation in Jordanian critical care units

Ahmad Rajeh Saifan; Rami A Elshatarat; Zyad T Saleh; Khadega Ahmed Elhefnawy; Nora H Elneblawi; Khaled M Al-Sayaghi; Rami Masa'Deh; Nabeel Al-Yateem; Hassanat R Abdel-Aziz; Ahmad Mahmoud Saleh

doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.06.020

Health professionals and family members during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A qualitative study on the experience of witnessing resuscitation in Jordanian critical care units

Heart Lung. 2023 Nov-Dec:62:101-107. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.06.020. Epub 2023 Jun 26.

Affiliations

¹ Nursing College, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
² Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
³ Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
⁴ Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia; Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
⁵ Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia; Nursing Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Republic of Yemen.
⁶ Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirate; Charles Sturt University, Australia.
⁷ Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, AlKharj, Saudi Arabia.
⁸ Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, AlKharj, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: am.saleh@psau.edu.sa.

PMID: 37379634
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.06.020

Abstract

Background: The interaction between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and family members during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in critical care units (CCUs) has received significant attention. In the Arabic region, family members are typically excluded from participating in critical care treatments, despite the cultural and religious significance of their presence. This highlights a lack of policies and research addressing the cultural factors related to family involvement in CPR within this context.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of the relationship between HCPs and family member relations during CPR in Jordanian CCUs.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 45 participants, including 31 HCPs and 14 family members of patients who had undergone CPR in Jordan. Data was managed, organized, and thematically analyzed using NVivo.

Results: The study revealed three main themes: Family-Witnessed Resuscitation (FWR) through the eyes of HCPs, FWR through the eyes of family members, and the relationship between HCPs and family members during CPR. The last theme has three subthemes: "Looking out for the Patient," "Looking out for Ourselves," and "Looking out for Each Other." These themes highlighted the complex and dynamic relationships between HCPs and family members during CPR in Jordan. Participants emphasized the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative approach to decision-making during CPR.

Conclusion: The resultant study model uniquely explains the relationship between Jordanian health professionals and family members during CPR, with important implications for clinical practice and healthcare policies regarding family involvement during resuscitation in Jordan. Further research is needed to explore the cultural and societal factors influencing family involvement in resuscitation in Jordan and other Arab countries.

Keywords: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Critical care; Family-witnessed resuscitation; Health professionals; Jordan; Qualitative.