• C M Dougherty, J Q Benoliel, and C Bellin.
• Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98108-1597, USA.
• Heart Lung. 2000 Mar 1;29(2):79-86.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to explore individual and family experiences after sudden cardiac arrest and automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator implantation during the first year of recovery. This report specifically addresses the domains of concern expressed and helpful strategies used by participants that are relevant to the development of future intervention programs.DesignA grounded theory approach was used to gain an understanding of areas of concern of sudden cardiac arrest survivors and families that could be used when designing future nursing interventions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with both sudden cardiac arrest survivors and 1 family member each at 5 points during the first year of recovery (hospitalization; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after hospitalization). Participants were asked to identify those specific areas that most concerned them and that they would like assistance with during the first year. A total of 150 interviews were conducted with 176 hours of data generated.SettingThe study focused on 10 northwest urban community medical centers and participants' homes within a 50-mile driving distance from the medical centers.SampleThe sample included 15 first-time sudden cardiac arrest survivors (13 men and 2 women) and 1 family member each between the ages of 31 and 72 years.ResultsDomains of concern identified by participants that can be used to design future nursing intervention programs included preventive care, dealing with automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator shocks, emotional challenges, physical changes, activities of daily living, partner relationships, and dealing with health care providers. Suggestions of helpful strategies used by participants during the first year are outlined.ImplicationsDomains of concern and helpful strategies identified by participants provide a framework for the development and testing of nursing intervention programs to enhance recovery following sudden cardiac arrest for survivors and their families.

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