The experience of Greek families of critically ill patients: Exploring their needs and coping strategies

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the experiences, needs and coping strategies of families of patients admitted to adult intensive care units.

Design and setting: A descriptive qualitative research design was chosen using an inductive thematic content analysis approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted withfourteen family members in three hospitals of Crete.

Findings: Four main themes were derived from data analysis. Our results showed that family members were in turmoil having to deal with intense and alternating feelings. The protection of patient's dignity and well-being was of utmost importance mainly by maintaining proximity. Getting comprehensible information and building communication with the healthcare providers was often problematic. Three coping strategies were used: optimism, family support and spirituality.

Conclusion: This study is a contribution to the understanding of Greek family's experiences and psychosocial needs during critical illness. A family-inclusive framework should be promoted and implemented in intensive care recognising and supporting family's role in the patient's illness and recovery.

Keywords: Critically ill patients; Experience; Family needs; Health care professionals; Intensive care unit; Qualitative study; Quality of care.