Factors associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms in healthcare providers after performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a mixed-methods study

The experience of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can cause post-traumatic stress symptoms that negatively impact healthcare providers and reduced their clinical competency. This two-phase mixed-methods was conducted to investigate the factors that cause post-traumatic disorder (PTSD) in healthcare providers who perform CPR. Phase 1 included a survey with a trauma screening questionnaire (TSQ). Phase 2 included gathering interview data and applying conventional content analysis to identify themes. Of the 286 medical staff who completed the TSQ, 32 (11.2%) of respondents experienced PTSD after administering CPR. PTSD occurred significantly more frequently in nurses than in doctors. Among nurses, those with 2-5 years of experience were the most likely to experience PTSD. From the content analysis of the interview data, four themes with twelve subthemes emerged: Healthcare providers were not prepared for CPR, Difficulties faced during CPR administration, Negative emotions experienced after performing CPR, and Overcoming stress and moving forward. The occurrence of PTSD is associated with negative experiences in each stage of the event: before-, during-, and after-CPR. Therefore, to avoid or overcome PTSD caused by performing CPR, systematic and customized intervention strategies suitable for each stage of the process are needed.