The lived experience of having a close relative in an intensive care unit

Date
2006
Authors
Williams, Mandy
Supervisor
Spence, Deb
Item type
Dissertation
Degree name
Master of Health Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

This study explored the experience of family members with a close relative in an Intensive Care Unit. Using Colaizzi’s method of phenomenology, interviews were conducted with two participants who had relatives in different Intensive Care Units. Current literature has focused on identifying the needs of family members’ visiting a relative in ICU and their level of satisfaction with care but little attention has been paid to exploring their experience. Six themes emerged from the data: seeing and being terrified; wanting and needing to be there; lack of information gives rise to mistrust; needing support in order to cope; feeling out of control; acknowledging ‘humanness’. Together the fundamental description and fundamental structure of the phenomenon provide understanding of the family members’ experience of having a relative in an ICU. Recommendations for nursing practice, education and further research are made based on these findings.

Description
Keywords
Critically ill , Family relationships , Case studies , Psychotherapy
Source
DOI
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