Exploring the Post-Discharge Journey of Intensive Care Unit Family Members After a Month: A Phenomenological Study

Family members of Intensive Care Unit survivors face profound challenges following discharge. This early post-discharge phase represents a critical period, as caregiving responsibilities often intensify, placing a substantial emotional and practical burden on family members who are still processing the ICU experience. Despite its importance, this period remains poorly investigated in terms of how families interpret and integrate this transition into their broader illness experience.

To explore the lived experiences of family members of ICU survivors 1 month after hospital discharge.

This study applied Cohen's phenomenological method, integrating descriptive and interpretive analyses to explore the meaning of lived experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed following a rigorous, iterative process. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guided reporting.

A total of 21 family members were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. A total of five key themes emerged from the interviews. Lack of control: participants experienced fear, loneliness and emotional pain. The unseen: uncertainty about the future and the patient's recovery process led to anxiety and stress, exacerbated by inadequate and incomplete communication. Unexpected life disruption: family members faced isolation and a shift in life perspective. Family burden: participants reported physical and emotional distress, including fatigue and sleep disorders. Finding strength in affection: many found resilience through the support of family, friends and colleagues.

The experiences of ICU survivors' family members were significantly shaped by communication, which played a central role in their anxiety, stress and sleep disturbances. These emotional burdens also affected their social relationships, family dynamics and overall quality of life.

Recognising the challenges faced by family members of Intensive Care Unit survivors highlights the need for structured transitional support, which can inform family-centred care communication strategies throughout the recovery journey.