Family members' lived experiences of everyday life after intensive care treatment of a loved one: a phenomenological hermeneutical study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To illuminate relatives' experiences of everyday life after a loved one's stay in an intensive care unit.

Background: Relatives of intensive care patients experience considerable stress that can have a long-lasting effect on their everyday lives. Relatives frequently report anxiety, depression and complicated grief as a result of their experiences in the intensive care unit.

Design: A qualitative design was chosen.

Methods: Thirteen relatives were interviewed 3 months to 1 year after the discharge or death of an intensive care unit patient. A phenomenological hermeneutical method was used to explore family members' lived experiences upon returning home after their loved ones' stay in the intensive care unit.

Results: Two themes emerged from the analysis of the data: (1) changes in everyday life and emotional reactions, and (2) managing changes and need of support and follow-up from the ICU.

Conclusions: Family members experience changes in emotions, roles and responsibilities after returning home. They must maintain control of themselves and adapt to the changes to face the future. They cope by using their personal resources and support from others. Some are in further need of follow-up from the intensive care unit staff.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nursing education could focus increasingly more on the significance of communication and personal support, which helps family members cope during patients' stay and experience a sense of personal strength when returning home. Further research should address how to identify and support those with special needs after the intensive care unit stay.

Keywords: coping; critical care nursing; emotional stress; follow-up strategies phenomenological hermeneutical method; professional-family relations; roles.