Experience of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by healthcare professionals in emergency departments: A descriptive phenomenological study.

Background: Emergency department healthcare professionals have the most contact with patients in cardiac arrest, and their physical and mental state has a significant impact on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and patient outcomes. However, there is limited research discussing the experience of resuscitation by emergency department healthcare professionals.

Aim: To explore the experiences of emergency department healthcare professionals in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study. The study used purposive sampling and selected 9 nurses and 6 physicians from the emergency departments of four general hospitals of different levels in western China between May 2022 and October 2022. Semi-structured interview guides and face-to-face interviews were used to collect information. Colaizzi analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results: The study identified 3 themes and 11 sub-themes. These themes and sub-themes include 1) emotional experience (A sense of achievement, A sense of powerlessness and trauma, Stress, Empathy, Psychological resilience strengthens), 2) cognitive growth (Understanding CPR rationally, Increasing concern for personal and family health, Mastering self-relaxation methods), and 3) the desire for continued development (Seeking professional development, Hoping for professional psychological assistance, Strengthening team support).

Conclusions: The experience of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation by healthcare professionals in emergency departments is dynamic, with changes in mood and cognitive growth. Managers in hospitals should pay attention to their experiences and need at different stages of career development and actively carry out targeted cognitive guidance, skills training, and psychological support to help them achieve professional development and physical and mental health. At the same time, to promote the development of CPR for all, it is recommended that the authorities actively improve the public infrastructure for first aid and related policy protection.