Antonia Schneeberger1, Susanne Brandstetter2, Thomas Bein3, Sebastian Blecha4, Christian Apfelbacher5. 1. Medical Sociology, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Dr.-Gessler-Str. 17, 93051 Regensburg, Germany; Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. Electronic address: antonia.schneeberger@aol.de. 2. Medical Sociology, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Dr.-Gessler-Str. 17, 93051 Regensburg, Germany. Electronic address: Susanne.Brandstetter@klinik.uni-regensburg.de. 3. Department of Anaesthesiology, Operative Intensive Care, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany. Electronic address: thomas.bein@ukr.de. 4. Department of Anaesthesiology, Operative Intensive Care, Regensburg University Hospital, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany. Electronic address: Sebastian.Blecha@ukr.de. 5. Medical Sociology, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Dr.-Gessler-Str. 17, 93051 Regensburg, Germany; Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. Electronic address: christian.Apfelbacher@med.ovgu.de.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore and analyse the stressors and strains of next of kin of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients during their stay in the intensive care unit utilising the stressors and strain approach as a theoretical framework. METHODS: Data collection was performed as semi-standardised qualitative interviews. 35 families of patients with ARDS were approached when visiting the intensive care unit. Participants were recruited until thematic saturation was reached; finally, 17 persons (age ranging from 26 to 71 years, nine women) took part. Systematic content analysis was conducted on the theoretical foundations of the stressors and strain approach. FINDINGS: Numerous stressors were identified; they can be divided into three main categories: in relation to organising the visit, occurring during the visit and arising at home. These stressors were reported highly consistently throughout participants. However, the strains resulting from these stressors were varying in manifestation and level. CONCLUSIONS: This study explores the manifold stressors and strains of next of kin of a critically ill patient. Some stressors are inherent to the life-threatening condition of a family member; others arise from the health care system and could be modified. The level of strain experienced depends on social support, individual coping skills and life circumstances.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore and analyse the stressors and strains of next of kin of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients during their stay in the intensive care unit utilising the stressors and strain approach as a theoretical framework. METHODS: Data collection was performed as semi-standardised qualitative interviews. 35 families of patients with ARDS were approached when visiting the intensive care unit. Participants were recruited until thematic saturation was reached; finally, 17 persons (age ranging from 26 to 71 years, nine women) took part. Systematic content analysis was conducted on the theoretical foundations of the stressors and strain approach. FINDINGS: Numerous stressors were identified; they can be divided into three main categories: in relation to organising the visit, occurring during the visit and arising at home. These stressors were reported highly consistently throughout participants. However, the strains resulting from these stressors were varying in manifestation and level. CONCLUSIONS: This study explores the manifold stressors and strains of next of kin of a critically ill patient. Some stressors are inherent to the life-threatening condition of a family member; others arise from the health care system and could be modified. The level of strain experienced depends on social support, individual coping skills and life circumstances.
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Authors: Andreas Xyrichis; Natalie Pattison; Pam Ramsay; Sian Saha; Amelia Cook; Victoria Metaxa; Joel Meyer; Louise Rose Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-04-29 Impact factor: 3.006