Children's experiences of visiting a seriously ill/injured relative on an adult intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care
• Family-centered care
• Child psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on children's experiences visiting relatives in adult intensive care units (ICUs).
• Previous focus has been on adult experiences and needs in ICUs, neglecting the child's perspective.
• Understanding children's needs during such visits is crucial for providing appropriate support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and understand children's subjective experiences and needs when visiting a seriously ill or injured relative in an adult intensive care unit.
• To provide insights into how these visits impact children emotionally and psychologically.
• To inform healthcare practices regarding child visitation in critical care settings.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving 28 children (aged 4-17 years) who had visited an adult relative in an ICU.
• Interviews were conducted three months post-visit to gather detailed accounts of their experiences.
• A hermeneutic approach was employed for the interpretation and analysis of the interview data.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: 'It meant waiting,' 'It was strange,' 'It was white,' and 'It was good.'
• Waiting induced uncertainty and tension, while the ICU environment was perceived as strange, white, and gloomy.
• Despite initial apprehension, the visit was ultimately viewed positively ('It was good') as it allowed connection with the relative, leading to relief and joy.

Conclusions:

• Children's experiences suggest that involving them in family matters, even during critical illness, is beneficial.
• Visits to the ICU did not appear to be frightening for the children; rather, they facilitated emotional release.
• Findings support theories emphasizing the importance of child involvement and participation in family situations.