"The Heart beats a language": perceptions on quality of life from survivors of in-hospital cardiac arrests

Abstract

This thesis reveals stories as told by survivors of inhospital cardiac arrests one month following discharge from hospital. Their stories disclose the impact of a sudden cardiac death experience on their quality of life. Interpreting, exploring and unravelling the messages contained within these stories has been a privileged intimacy. What were the inpatient's thoughts following resuscitation? Did they hear what was spoken during the resuscitation procedure? Did they go to another place? How did surviving the event influence their lives? Informed by grounded theory, the voices of four participants who survived a sudden cardiac death event were heard through constant comparative analysis of the transcribed audiotapes. Saturation was not reached due to limitations of the small sample group and the constraints of atwo paper thesis. Categories such as spirituality, employment, relationships, emotions, near death experiences and quality of life issues emerged as common themes. Excerpts from the transcripts support identification of these categories. Through the revelation of these significant themes, consideration for case managed care for survivors of sudden cardiac death should be considered. Potential for further research in the domain of implementation and review of case managed care and the impact of quality of life issues at twelve months following a sudden cardiac death provides a unique research opportunity in the future.