Experiences of family members of patients treated with targeted temperature management post cardiac arrest: a qualitative systematic review protocol

Objective The objective of this review is to evaluate the experiences of family members of patients who receive targeted temperature management following the return of spontaneous circulation after a cardiac arrest. Introduction Since 2002, targeted temperature management has become an international standard of care for the preservation of neurological status for patients following a cardiac arrest and who remain comatose. During this process, survivors are placed into a mild hypothermic state with their body temperature maintained at 32°C to 36°C for a minimum of 24 hours. It is during this time that family members experience the uncertainty of whether their loved one will survive, or if any negative long-term sequelae will be experienced. While much is known about the physical application and management of targeted temperature management, less is known about the psychosocial aspects of this treatment. Inclusion criteria This review will consider qualitative studies that address the experiences of family members of adult patients who have received targeted temperature management following a cardiac arrest. Methods CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source, PsycINFO, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science will be searched for relevant studies. Studies published in English and French from 2002 onward will be considered. Two reviewers will independently appraise studies and extract qualitative data using the JBI standardized critical appraisal and extraction instruments. Findings from the review will be categorized according to similarity in meaning, and categories subjected to a meta-aggregation to produce a single comprehensive set of synthesized findings. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO CRD42020142942.