Abstract 285: A Prospective Evaluation of Indicators of Psychological Distress in Surrogates of Cardiac Arrest Survivors

Background: Family surrogates of cardiac arrest (CA) patients have unique needs due to thesudden, life-threatening, and traumatic nature of the CA. We prospectively assessed the prevalenceof psychological distress among CA surrogates and characterized their preferences for resourcesto reduce uncertainty throughout the illness trajectory of their loved ones. Methods: Between August 1, 2021 and May 31, 2023, English-speaking family surrogates (>18years old) of consecutive CA patients were recruited to complete an in-person assessment beforehospital discharge. Indicators of psychological distress were measured using the Post TraumaticStress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist 5 (PCL5; cut-off >33), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD2;cut-off >3), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ8; cut-off >9). An investigator-developedsurvey of eight unique interventions, composed by a multidisciplinary research team of patient andsurrogate stakeholders, aimed to alleviate the identified measures of psychological distress.Participants ranked their top choice among these eight interventions, focusing on patient-centerededucation and logistical needs (n=4) or on surrogate-centered self-care and psychological supportneeds (n=4). Results: Of the 163 family surrogates approached, 83 participated (66% female; age 51±15 years;41% white, 25% black, 31% Hispanic/Latino). Nearly all participants presented withpsychological distress; 66% (n=55) experienced elevated generalized anxiety, 29% (n=24)experienced characteristics of PTSD, and 57% (n=47) had moderate depression. Of the eightinterventions, 22% of surrogates (n=18) ranked increased access to the care team as the mosthelpful intervention. The next most highly prioritized intervention was increased information onpotential recovery, chosen by 20% (n=17). Conclusion: Family surrogates experience a high burden of PTSD, anxiety, and moderatedepression symptoms in response to a loved one experiencing CA. Their needs and lack ofresources have yet to be tangibly addressed within the hospital system. Future research shouldexplore the impacts of CA on family surrogates.