Qualitative Study on Relocation Stress Experience of Family Members of Patients with Severe Trau-matic Brain Injury in Early Stage of ICU Transfer-out
Objective To explore the relocation stress experience of family members of patients with severe traumatic brain injury(sTBI)in the early stage of ICU transfer-out,aiming to provide a reference for formulating effective coping strategies and promoting psychological adaptability of the family members.Methods The direct caregivers of sTBI patients who were transferred out from the ICU for less than 72 hours were selected by purposive sampling.They were investigated through face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews.Their interview data was sorted out,analyzed and refined using a phenomenological approach and Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.Results The following themes were extracted from the interview data regarding the psychological experience of the family members of sTBI patients in the early stage of ICU transfer-out:1)emotional ambivalence before and after ICU transfer-out,2)perceived caregiving pressure,and 3)desire to learn more about patients'diseases and caregiving.The emotional ambivalence of family members was composed of the expectations for early transfer out from the ICU,doubts about the timing of transfer-out and concerns about caregiving conditions in general wards.The caregiving pressure perceived by family members came from caregiving,psychological and economic aspects.Also,family members expressed a desire to learn more about patients'diseases and treatment,inpatient settings and processes,and caregiving expertise and skills through effective doctor/nurse-patient communication.Conclusion Healthcare providers should pay attention to the relocation stress experience of patients'family members in the early stage of ICU transfer-out.Moreover,healthcare providers should provide them with more psychological and information support to help them through the ICU period,enhance their caregiving skills and accelerate patient recovery.
Severe traumatic brain injuryIntensive care unit(ICU)Family memberTransition periodRelocation stressQualitative study
万方数据
维普
