Identifying, Analyzing, and Combating Family Intensive Care Unit Syndrome in Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals

Aravagiri, Arunmozhi S; Bhatti, Waqas; Okereke, Jetina; Verceles, Avelino C.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-94337-4_13

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…This contrasts with the assumption that family members are relieved of their caregiver responsibilities when the patient with CCI is in a medical facility rather than requiring care at home. 37 Our study illustrates the extensive and complex roles and responsibilities that family members of individuals with CCI assume and how these then contribute to the psychological distress, feelings of being emotionally overwhelmed, exhaustion, uncertainty, and even conflict reported by others. 17,19 These findings are noteworthy considering that in other illness contexts, high levels of caregiver burden 38 have been found to contribute to poor mental and physical health, 39 and even caregiver morbidity and mortality risk.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

When chronic critical illness is a family affair: A multi-perspective qualitative study of family involvement in long-term care

et al. 2022

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Objective Those with chronic critical illness (CCI) remain dependent on life-sustaining treatments and increasingly reside in long-term care facilities equipped to meet their needs. The nature of family involvement in care remains undetermined thwarting approaches to mitigate poor family outcomes. The research objective was to explicate family involvement in the care of an individual with CCI who resides in long-term care. Methods In this qualitative research, we used thematic analysis and constant comparative techniques to analyze data from interviews with 38 participants: 11 family members, 6 residents with CCI, and 21 healthcare providers. Results Involvement in care entailed family: (1) reorienting their life despite the stress and emotional toll; (2) assuming responsibility for meaningful activities and management of practical matters, yet struggling alone; (3) advocating for care by being present, reminding and pushing, and picking their battles; and (4) figuring out how to contribute to nursing care, but with unclear expectations. Discussion The burden of family caregiving was substantial, contrasting the assumption that family are relieved of their caregiver responsibilities when the patient with CCI is in a care facility. Research to address unmet family needs specific to their roles and responsibilities could potentially improve family outcomes and is warranted.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

When chronic critical illness is a family affair: A multi-perspective qualitative study of family involvement in long-term care

et al. 2022

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“…In Iran, family members usually have close relationships with each other and, hence, can help each other cope with the crisis of their patients' hospitalization in ICU more effectively 34 . Moreover, family members' effective interpersonal communications help others accurately identify and fulfil their needs, while their limited interpersonal communications can worsen their FICUS 35 . Therefore, support‐based nursing interventions are needed to reduce psychological problems among these family members 36 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…34 Moreover, family members' effective interpersonal communications help others accurately identify and fulfil their needs, while their limited interpersonal communications can worsen their FICUS. 35 Therefore, support-based nursing interventions are needed to reduce psychological problems among these family members. 36 These interventions may include education for health care providers about adequate mental support for family members, creation of a supportive environment for facilitating family members' communication with health care providers, and effective fulfilment of family members' needs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The family intensive care unit syndrome: A qualitative content analysis

Saeid

Moradian

Ebadi

et al. 2021

Nursing in Critical Care

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Background: Hospitalization of patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with a series of psychological problems for their family members called family intensive care unit syndrome (FICUS). Nonetheless, family members of patients in ICU often receive little attention from health care providers. Exploring family members' experiences of their patients' hospitalization in ICU helps health care providers focus more clearly on their problems.Aims and objectives: This study aimed to explore FICUS-related experiences among the family members of patients in ICU.Design: This was a qualitative content analysis study.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2019. Participants were 14 family members of patients in ICU who were purposively selected from three hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.Results: Participants' experiences of FICUS fell into four categories, that is, threat to psychological well-being (with four subcategories), threat to physical health (with three subcategories), threat to social health (with three subcategories), and change in spiritual orientation (with two subcategories).The 12 subcategories of these categories were emotional disturbances, hopelessness, changes in sleep pattern, mood changes, physical symptoms, aggravation of the existing illnesses, negligence towards personal health, alteration in social interactions, alteration in the burden of responsibility, alternation in the life process, resort to spiritual beliefs, and spiritual conflict, respectively.Conclusion: FICUS symptoms are not limited to psychological problems, rather they include a wide range of psychological, physical, social, and spiritual problems, which can affect the different aspects of family members' lives. Along with care delivery to patients in ICU, health care providers should provide care and support to patients' family members.

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