How can we make out-of-hospital CPR more family centered?

Abstract

This personal narrative examines what physicians owe patients in ways that might be just as novel as any new technology for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The narrative uses the actual words of Linda (not her real name), a woman who had to lead CPR on her mother. Rather than concentrating only on CPR, the narrative also discusses what happens—and does not happen—before and after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Linda’s story suggests possible ways to take better care of terminally and chronically ill patients at home: by listening in different ways to patients and families.