The emotional impact of sudden death: Version 1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An exploration of the emotional impact of experiencing a sudden unexpected death of an emotionally close individual.

  • IRAS ID

    161749

  • Contact name

    Rhian E Cuthbertson

  • Contact email

    436583@swansea.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Swansea University

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    The aim of this study is to identify the emotional and health impact of failing to resuscitate a close friend or relative following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

    Using a longitudinal design, psychological and health consequences will be examined and compared in those who have experienced the death of an emotionally close individual following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and who either (i) witnessed the event and attempted CPR, (ii) witnessed the event and did not attempt CPR, or (i) did not witness the arrest. A large scale survey and in-depth interviews will assess and compare levels of distress in each of the 3 groups at approximately 3 months following bereavement (T1), and again at 6 months following bereavement (T2).

    Guided by relevant theory, the findings of this study will be used to inform the development of a potentially cost-effective intervention which may help to reduce distress following this experience.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 6

  • REC reference

    14/WA/1190

  • Date of REC Opinion

    24 Oct 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion