Feeling responsible but unsupported: How relatives of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience the transition from hospital to daily life – A focus group study

AIM: To generate knowledge about how relatives of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience the transition between hospital and daily life. The research question was “how do relatives of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience collaboration and communication with healthcare professionals, and what is emphasized as important in the transition from hospital to daily life”. DESIGN: Qualitative design. METHODS: Six semi‐structured focus group interviews were conducted with 23 relatives of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors who participated in a residential rehabilitation course. Data was collected between November 2018 and March 2019. Transcripts were analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. RESULTS: The analysis generated three themes “a necessary presence,” “communication with healthcare professionals on the cardiac ward” and “the abrupt disappearance of the system.” Relatives of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors feel a great responsibility when coping and adjusting to their new life. In the transition to daily life, a focus on systematic involvement and collaboration with relatives should be an essential part of the post‐cardiac arrest pathway.