Experiences of inner strength in critically ill patients – A hermeneutical approach

The lived experience of relationships after major burn injury

“…In critically ill patients, social support has been described to promote inner strength, in which next of kin were essential, by being there and giving a will to live (Alpers et al . ). This process was further promoted by healthcare personnel who offered extra time for talks and caring.…”

Inner strength as a mediator of the relationship between disease and self‐rated health among old people

“…In a recent study by Alpers et al . () among older critically ill patients, a main theme that described the promotion of inner strength was to have support of next of kin. The presence of the family was important for preventing the patient from losing courage and giving up.…”

From breaking point to breakthrough during the ICU stay: A qualitative study of family members’ experiences of long‐term intensive care patients’ pathways towards survival

“…Family members’ support is vital to the ICU patient's healing process (Egerod et al., ; McAdam, Arai, & Puntillo, ; Wassenaar, Schouten, & Schoonhoven, ), signifying crucial help and encouragement during the patient's recovery (Agard, Egerod, Tonnesen, & Lomborg, ; Alpers, Helseth, & Bergbom, ). The ICU patient's critical health state represents a burden for the family, involving emotional pain, anxiety and worrying.…”