Exploring Psychosocial Concerns and Needs of Ventilator and Nonventilator Caregivers in the Emergency and Trauma Care Setting

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Caregivers of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors in ventilators and nonventilator undergo psychological distress and their concerns and needs are secondary to patient care. Thus, this study aimed to explore the day-to-day concerns of the caregivers of ventilator and nonventilator survivors of TBI. Materials and Methods A descriptive research method with a qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted. Overall, 100 adult caregivers (ventilator care, n = 50), (nonventilator care, n = 50) providing care for patients diagnosed and suffering from TBI were recruited using a cross-sectional survey method. Percentage, mean, standard deviation for continuous variables, and the simple thematic analysis were used for qualitative data. Results The results showed that mild depression (9.54 ± 3.83) and mild anxiety (9.90 ± 4.22) were present in caregivers who were providing care for ventilator patients. However, no signs of depression (4.78 ± 2.30) and anxiety levels (2.90 ± 2.60) were found in the nonventilator caregivers. The qualitative results showed that social concerns such as marriage, work, psychological worry, and difficulty in decision making were highly present in caregivers. Conclusion The study findings indicates that psychosocial intervention to be considered as an essential service in the neurotrauma unit to address crisis and support for the caregivers, family members, and patients from the holistic care perspective by medical and psychiatric social workers.