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[The situation on relatives in the intensive care unit]
Anasthesie, Intensivtherapie, Notfallmedizin
|April 1, 1985
Summary
Relatives of intensive care unit (ICU) patients find the experience impactful, with initial contact marked by concern. Despite emotional challenges, most relatives view their ICU experience positively, valuing information and staff interactions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Psychology
- Critical Care Medicine
Context:
- Limited research exists on the experiences of relatives with intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
- Intensive care settings present unique emotional and informational challenges for families.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impressions and experiences of relatives accompanying patients in the ICU.
- To understand relatives' perceptions of ICU care, information delivery, and staff interactions.
Summary:
- A questionnaire assessed relatives' experiences regarding first contact, ICU environment, patient information, psychosocial support, and overall evaluation.
- Relatives' initial ICU contact is driven by patient health concerns; information and prior ICU knowledge are valued.
- Emotional responses include uneasiness, compassion, and despair, with mourning for relatives of moribund patients. Technical equipment and therapeutic measures were generally reassuring, and staff relations were positive, especially for survivors' families.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the significant emotional impact of ICU stays on families.
- The study underscores the importance of clear communication, psychosocial support, and positive staff interactions for relatives in critical care.
- Results suggest that, despite challenges, relatives often develop a positive retrospective view of the ICU, influenced by perceived quality of care and patient outcomes.