Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique
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Reactions of 20 physicians to cardiopulmonary resuscitation were examined by describing their emotions and communication in over 260 situations of resuscitation. All actions of physicians being helpful for the relatives in their grief change physicians' emotions after resuscitation. Though denial helps the physicians in confrontation with the relatives, it also seems to impair their emotional coping. ⋯ Physicians with recent loss seem to cope very little emotionally. Active resuscitation behaviour results after resuscitation in being relieved for a short time, but coping is impaired because of the activity pattern. Speaking after resuscitation seems to improve coping.