Exploring the Impact of “The Pause” after Unsuccessful Resuscitation: Insights from Cardiac Arrest Teams"

Background: Unsuccessful resuscitation attempts are an aspect of the cardiac arrest team’s role. Nevertheless, the psychological impact of witnessing patients’ death, can lead to healthcare worker burnout. This study aims, to explore the cardiac arrest team’s experiences with “The Pause” (one minute of silence) after unsuccessful resuscitation in in-hospital cardiac arrests. Method: A deductive content analysis, based on focus group interviews led to the Findings: Promoting unity and equality within the team, Adding value and respect for human life, Reinstating human values within the organization, Closure and a better transition Barriers against “The Pause”. Conclusion: “The Pause” offers an opportunity for healthcare professionals to acknowledge the gravity of patient death and prioritize their own emotional well-being. By fostering a respectful and supportive work culture, this practice can mitigate the negative psychological impact of such events. Nevertheless, perceived vulnerability remains a key barrier to implementation.