Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Cardiac arrest care systems are being designed and implemented to address patients', family members', and survivors' care needs. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-synthesis to understand family experiences and care needs during cardiac arrest care to create treatment recommendations. ⋯ The family experience of cardiac arrest care is often chaotic, distressing, complex and the aftereffects are long-lasting. Patient and family experiences could be improved for many people. High certainty family care needs identified in this review include rapid recognition and response, improved information sharing, more effective communication, supported presence and participation, or supported absence, and psychological aftercare.