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Relatives’ experiences of critical care
Author: Felicity Hughes, BSc (Hons), PhD studentship, European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK; Karen Bryan, BSc (Hons) Speech, PhD, RegMRCSLT, Professor of Clinical Practice, EIHMS, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK; Ian Robbins, RGN, RMN, BSc (Hons), MSc, PsychD, AFBPsS, CPsychol, Professor of Mental Health Practice, EIHMS and Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Traumatic Stress Service, St. George's Hospital, London, UK
*Felicity Hughes, European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Duke of Kent Building, Level 5, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7TE, UK
E-mail:f.hughes@surrey.ac.uk
Summary
• This exploratory study investigates relatives’ overall experiences of the critical care environment and how staff perceived these experiences
• Traditionally, research in Critical Care concentrated on patients’ psychological well-being or relatives’ immediate needs. There is little research that addresses the relative's overall experience of events
• Critical Care Units are possibly the most daunting units in hospitals. Having a family member admitted to a Critical Care Unit could qualify as a traumatic-enough stressor to induce post-traumatic stress symptoms in relatives
• A convenience sample of eight relatives and five staff participated in the study. The study used qualitative methods and drew on techniques of grounded theory
• While staff perceived relatives’ experiences accurately; issues arose, from both staff and relatives perspective, with regard to accurate dissemination of information
• Further research into the communication processes used within Critical Care Units is required in addition to developing best practice in this area