Hur patienter erfar livet efter hjärtstopp

Sammanfattning

The survival rate after cardiac arrest is increasing, meaning that more patients continue to live after the acute event. Insufficient knowledge about patients’ own experiences risks leading to inadequate support and increased suffering. To enable person-centred nursing, a deeper understanding of how life is perceived after a cardiac arrest is needed. The aim of this literature review was to illuminate how patients experience life after cardiac arrest. The study was conducted as a literature review based on ten qualitative articles published between 2016 and 2026. Data were collected from the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed. The articles were quality-assessed using Friberg's appraisal tool and analysed through an integrative analysis inspired by metasynthesis. The results show that life after cardiac arrest involves a profound transformation of the body, identity, and everyday life. Patients described physical limitations such as fatigue, pain, and reduced stamina, as well as cognitive difficulties including memory problems and mental exhaustion. Psychological strain, fear of recurrence, and existential uncertainty were recurring themes. At the same time, some patients experienced a new sense of meaning, gratitude, and re-evaluated life priorities. Relationships and social roles were affected, and many reported insufficient information, support, and follow-up from healthcare services. The conclusion is that recovery after cardiac arrest is a complex and non linearprocess encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, and existential dimensions. Patient shave a substantial need for person-centred support and structured follow-up to regain a sense of security, participation, and a meaningful everyday life. A more coherent chain of care may reduce suffering and promote long-term health.