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Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest : patient's perspective on cognitive deficits and cognitive rehabilitation

Mierle, K.W.J. van (2022) Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest : patient's perspective on cognitive deficits and cognitive rehabilitation.

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Abstract:Background: Half of the OHCA survivors suffer from some degree of cognitive impairments. Dutch and European guidelines advise systematic cognitive screening and rehabilitation. However, in practice this guideline is not implemented. Research has shown that important stakeholders’ support this implementation, however the opinion of OHCA survivors is missing. Nowadays patients wish to play an active role in decisions that affect them, hence why looking at the problem from the patient’s perspective is important. The aim of this study was to research the perceived need among survivors of an OHCA for more extensive and early attention for possible cognitive impairments within their treatment trajectory. Methods: Six semi-structured interviews were conducted. The research population consists of OHCA survivors that live in the Netherlands. The interviews were transcribed and coded. Based on the coding and quotes the results were described. Results: Almost all participants experienced some degree of cognitive impairments, but did not receive the same attention. The participants think that cognitive screening test and cognitive rehabilitation should be incorporated in the standard treatment trajectory to some degree. The participants thought the best moments for screening for cognitive impairments would be either in the hospital, at the start of rehabilitation or at the yearly check-up with the cardiologist. However, it is important to take into consideration that the participants need time to process everything. Conclusion: At present, there is not a systematic way of diagnosing and treating possible cognitive impairments. Cognitive screening and rehabilitation need to be part of standard treatments and should therefore be included in a clear and practical instruction in the form of a treatment protocol. Every patient should be informed that cognitive symptoms are common after a cardiac arrest, and that there is a possibility of testing this. Then patients are well-informed and capable of making their own decisions about the treatments they undergo.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:TNW: Science and Technology
Subject:44 medicine
Programme:Health Sciences BSc (56553)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/93721
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