Needs and Feelings of Anxiety of Relatives of Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Relatives' needs and anxiety levels are found to be significantly related to demographic variables and type of kinship with the patient. The implications for clinical practice are discussed.

The experiences of rural and remote families involved in an inter-hospital transfer to a tertiary ICU: A hermeneutic study

“…Other researchers concur that practical needs, such as finding accommodation and transport, increase with the number of dependent children and the distance between their home and the hospital. [21][22][23] Studies also report that hospitals give low priority to meeting the practical needs of family members. [21][22][23] Being engaged was a central experience for all families in this study.…”

“…[21][22][23] Studies also report that hospitals give low priority to meeting the practical needs of family members. [21][22][23] Being engaged was a central experience for all families in this study. Being by the bedside in ICU is the preferred place of relatives.…”

“…Previous exposure to trauma, added financial burden and conflict within the family were factors that contributed to relatives' personal feelings of helplessness and isolation and have been reported elsewhere. 21,22 Other ICU studies have also revealed that intense conflict can emerge among family members during a critical illness experience. 31,32 Financial burden has been identified in other studies.…”

Whither Voluntary Communities? A Study of Co-Located Patients in Vietnam

“…Yet, Delva et al point out that the need of information and of assurance are two of the most important necessities for an ill person, with the need for support and comfort following suit. The need for information is estimated highly by most, probably due to the fact that being informed improves the patient's perception of their situation, thereby increasing carers' and relatives' ability to cope with the situation (Delva et al 2002). Therefore, poor patients tend to be deprived of the right to have their very human needs fulfilled.…”

Voices of Family Members and Significant Others in the Tele–Intensive Care Unit

“…Only 1 significant other completed a survey for each patient. Although a close proximity relationship (such as a spouse) might be considered the natural choice for study participation, the investigators recognized that some close proximity significant others might not have the emotional resources or cognitive ability (eg, feelings of exhaustion, stress, disorientation, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms) 30,31 to complete the survey. Therefore, the hospital volunteer asked 1 member of each patient's social network to agree to complete the survey.…”