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Family Caregiving in Critical Illness: Research Opportunities and Considerations

Family caregivers provide essential support, information, and surrogate decision making for critically ill patients and are recognized as important care partners with the clinical team in the intensive care unit (ICU). Unfortunately, many family members who assume a caregiving role during critical illness also experience the detrimental effects of this stressful life event. 

Mon, 03/25/2019 - 13:34

The impact of the patient post-intensive care syndrome components upon caregiver burden

Objective: To evaluate patient post-intensive care syndrome (PICS-P) and caregiver burden 3 months after discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and determine the impact of different components of PICS-P upon caregiver burden. Design: A prospective observational study was conducted over 26 months (January 2013–February 2015). Setting: Medical-surgical ICU and follow-up consultation in Portugal. Patients or participants: Patients discharged after a minimum of 2 days in the ICU.

Fri, 03/22/2019 - 12:33

Resiliency is independently associated with greater quality of life among informal caregivers to neuroscience intensive care unit patients

Objective: Every year, millions of Americans become informal caregivers to loved ones admitted to Neuroscience Intensive Care Units (Neuro-ICU), and face challenges to Quality of Life (QoL). This study sought to identify associations between resiliency, distress, and caregiver QoL at time of Neuro-ICU admission.; Methods: Informal caregivers (N = 79, Mage = 53, 64% female) of Neuro-ICU patients were recruited and completed self-report questionnaires during the hospitalization.

Wed, 02/20/2019 - 15:21

A qualitative study of factors that influence active family involvement with patient care in the ICU: Survey of critical care nurses

Objective: Family caregiver involvement may improve patient and family outcomes in the intensive care unit.

Wed, 06/06/2018 - 12:51

Attitudes of cancer patients, family caregivers, oncologists and members of the general public toward critical interventions at the end of life of terminally ill patients

Background: Whereas most studies have focused on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, few have dealt comprehensively with other critical interventions administered at the end of life. We surveyed cancer patients, family caregivers, oncologists and members of the general public to determine their attitudes toward such interventions.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:15

Review: a meta synthesis of qualitative research into needs and experiences of significant others to critically ill or injured patients

Aims and objectives.  This study aimed to describe the significant others’ experiences and needs when a person is critically ill or injured in an acute care setting.

Background.  Being a significant other to a hospitalised critically ill or injured patient is a heavily distressing life event. Addressing significant others’ needs adequately has been shown to be essential to mitigate the psychological consequences of such distressing events.

Design.  A systematic review of qualitative research. Methods.  Meta-ethnographic synthesis was used for analysis.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:09

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