Siblings' experience during pediatric intensive care hospitalization

Visiting restrictions during COVID‐19 pandemic—Why are we still excluding siblings?

“…Misunderstanding could then lead to unnecessary worry or fear, demonstrating the crucial role of being in the PICU as a way to help siblings understand and process what was happening. However, it's worth noting that the siblings in Abela et al's 12 study were all older than 9 years of age. Whether or not being present in the PICU has an impact on how younger children understand and process their experiences remains unknown.…”

“…10,11 In a recent study, children reported a close relationship with their sibling that was negatively impacted by their hospitalization, leaving them with a feeling of loss from their usual companion and playmate and experiencing loneliness. 12 Please note that the views expressed in this critical commentary are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Nursing in Critical Care editorial board, the British Association of Critical Care Nurses or Wiley.…”

“…Prior to the pandemic, some siblings reported their visit to the PICU to see their ill sibling as stressful and upsetting; however, those who regularly visited reported feeling happiness when they could see that their brother's or sister's condition was improving. 12 Many siblings aged 9-17 years old reported developing an understanding of what was happening to their brother or sister by observing the environment of the PICU and listening to conversations between clinicians, other adults and their parents rather than receiving information directly. Indeed, Abela et al 12 suggested that the information these siblings received from adults was often not well understood.…”

“…12 Many siblings aged 9-17 years old reported developing an understanding of what was happening to their brother or sister by observing the environment of the PICU and listening to conversations between clinicians, other adults and their parents rather than receiving information directly. Indeed, Abela et al 12 suggested that the information these siblings received from adults was often not well understood. Misunderstanding could then lead to unnecessary worry or fear, demonstrating the crucial role of being in the PICU as a way to help siblings understand and process what was happening.…”

“…In addition, siblings have previously reported ways of coping with their sibling's PICU admission by being physically close to their parents, family and friends. 12 This was clearly not possible during the pandemic, and, as described above, whole family togetherness is still prohibited in many PICUs. In addition, physical exclusion from the PICU and hospital environment meant that many siblings were left in the care of family and friends during the stressful experience, rather than in the care of their parents.…”