What the curtains do not shield: A phenomenological exploration of patient‐witnessed resuscitation in hospital. Part 2: Healthcare professionals' experiences

Fiori, Martina; Coombs, Maureen; Endacott, Ruth; Cutello, Clara A.; Latour, Jos M.

Abstract

Aims
To explore healthcare professionals' experiences of patient-witnessed resuscitation in hospital.

Design
Descriptive phenomenology.

Methods
Healthcare professionals involved in hospital resuscitation activities were recruited from medical, intensive care, resuscitation and education departments in a university hospital in England. Data were collected through face-to-face and focus group interviews, between August 2018 and January 2019. Data were analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological approach.

Results
Nine registered nurses, four healthcare assistants and seven doctors participated in four individual interviews and three focus groups. Findings were related to three themes: (1) Protecting patients from witnessing resuscitation: healthcare professionals used curtains to shield patients during resuscitation, but this was ineffective. Thus, they experienced challenges in explaining resuscitation events to the other patients and communicating sensitively. (2) Emotional impact of resuscitation: healthcare professionals recognized that witnessing resuscitation impacted patients, but they also felt emotionally affected from performing resuscitation and needed coping strategies and support. (3) Supporting patients who witnessed resuscitation: healthcare professionals recognized the importance of patients' well-being, but they felt unable to provide effective and timely support while providing life-saving care.

Conclusion
Healthcare professionals involved in hospital resuscitation require specific support, guidance and education to care effectively for patients witnessing resuscitation. Improving communication, implementing regular debriefing for staff, and allocating a dedicated professional to support patients witnessing resuscitation must be addressed to improve clinical practice.

Impact
The WATCH study uncovers patients' and healthcare professionals' experiences of patient-witnessed resuscitation, a phenomenon still overlooked in nursing research and practice. The main findings highlight that, in common with patients, healthcare professionals are subject to the emotional impact of resuscitation events and encounter challenges in supporting patients who witness resuscitation. Embedding the recommendations from this research into clinical guidelines will impact the clinical practice of healthcare professionals involved in hospital resuscitation and the quality and timeliness of care delivered to patients.

Citation

Fiori, M., Coombs, M., Endacott, R., Cutello, C. A., & Latour, J. M. (2022). What the curtains do not shield: A phenomenological exploration of patient‐witnessed resuscitation in hospital. Part 2: Healthcare professionals' experiences. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(8), 2596-2607. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15219

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 10, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Mar 24, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Deposit Date: Jul 14, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 15, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Advanced Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0309-2402
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2648
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 78
• Issue: 8
• Pages: 2596-2607
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15219
• Keywords: Cardiac arrest; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; emergency treatment; health personnel; hospitals; interviews; nurses; patients; qualitative research; resuscitation
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2886471