Revealed by degrees: Patients’ experience of receiving information after in‐hospital cardiac arrest

Aims and objectives To describe patients’ experience of receiving information about the event after having a cardiac arrest in hospital. Background In Sweden, approximately 2,600 people per year experience cardiac arrest in hospital. After a cardiac arrest, the patient is entitled to receive information about what has occurred. This information must be provided in a way that does not do the patient more harm than good. In order to provide information to patients in a satisfactory manner for them, knowledge about how patients react to information in this situation is valuable. Design We used a qualitative approach with interviews and content analysis. Methods Twenty patients participated in face‐to‐face interviews analysed by content analysis. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies were used. Results The analysis resulted in three categories: Getting the information gradually, Understanding information received and Seeking clarity. The subcategories that emerged were as follows: Indirect information, Short and direct information, Explanatory information, Lack of information, Unsatisfactory information, Hard‐to‐understand information, Insight, Unanswered questions, Hard‐to‐formulate questions, Requesting information and Searching independently for knowledge. Conclusions The patients needed gradual and repeated information during their hospitalisation, and repeated information was continually required after their discharge from hospital. Whether or how the information was given varied. The patients’ experience was that they sometimes lacked opportunities for conversation and asking questions, while they also found it hard to formulate questions. Patients who have a cardiac arrest in hospital appear to have similar information needs to patients whose cardiac arrest takes place outside the hospital context. Relevance to clinical practice Information on the patient's cardiac arrest should be given in gradual stages, according to the patient's needs. The information needs to be repeated during the hospital stay and after discharge. Healthcare professional should gain insight into patients’ responses and create information that is adapted to the individual.