What does this research mean for the field?

Surrogate decision-makers for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients value participating in research to improve future experiences and appreciate flexible follow-up, despite experiencing high emotional distress. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine the perceptions of surrogate decision-makers of comatose cardiac arrest patients regarding their participation in research during periods of intense emotional distress.

August 29, 2026BMC Medical EthicsOpen Access

Perceptions of surrogate decision-makers of cardiac arrest patients on engaging in research during high emotional distress

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Authors

SPSarah M. PermanYale University BSBonnie Siry-Bove APAlexander Presciutti

Discussion

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals willingness to engage in research among surrogate decision-makers of cardiac arrest patients, highlighting the value of flexible recruitment strategies.

Key Points

To examine the perceptions of surrogate decision-makers of comatose cardiac arrest patients regarding their participation in research during periods of intense emotional distress.
Conducted a qualitative sub-study utilizing Grounded Theory at a single US academic hospital intensive care unit.
Approached surrogates of comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors to obtain consent for contact at 30 days post-discharge or death, followed by semi-structured interviews (N=12 consented of 34 contacted; median time to interview: 48 days).
Transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed interview data from 8 bereaved surrogates and 4 co-survivors whose loved ones survived to discharge.
Surrogates reported a strong motivation to contribute their perspectives to scientific research specifically to help improve the experiences of future surrogate decision-makers.
Participants expressed willingness to participate despite significant emotional distress and grief.
Surrogates emphasized the importance of a personalized approach that permits flexible delays in follow-up contact based on individual emotional readiness.

Cite This Study

Perman et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9299088e5d7d1fc0c10ca8 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-026-01584-3

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals willingness to engage in research among surrogate decision-makers of cardiac arrest patients, highlighting the value of flexible recruitment strategies.

Perceptions of surrogate decision-makers of cardiac arrest patients on engaging in research during high emotional distress

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Perceptions of surrogate decision-makers of cardiac arrest patients on engaging in research during high emotional distress

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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