Abstract

Holistic approach to resuscitation: required skills beyond advanced life support

Author(s): Dr Noraliza Mohd Ariffin,Dr Zulkernain Ahmad,Dr Hilwani Kaharuddin

Introduction: Resuscitation can have long term unwanted effects on the patient’s family members, as well as the healthcare professionals involved, especially if it does not meet the targeted outcome. In view of this, health care professionals have to ensure strategies are in place to minimize unwanted effects.

Case Study: A 20 month old male was brought to the Emergency Department at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in a collapsed state due to foreign body airway obstruction. Despite resuscitation efforts, the child did not survive.

Conclusion: The holistic approach to resuscitation requires communication and management skills beyond that of advanced life support. In particular, specific skills in breaking bad news, management of family members, as well as healthcare professionals’ postresuscitation self-care skills, are essential in delivering holistic care.