Factors Affecting Psychological Distress in Family Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients: A Qualitative Study

Author:

Blok Amanda C.1,Valley Thomas S.2,Weston Lauren E.3,Miller Jacquelyn4,Lipman Kyra5,Krein Sarah L.6

Affiliation:

1. Amanda C. Blok is a research health scientist, Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a research assistant professor, Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor.

2. Thomas S. Valley is a research health scientist, VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, and an assistant professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

3. Lauren E. Weston is a qualitative analyst, VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

4. Jacquelyn Miller is a research analyst, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

5. Kyra Lipman is a medical degree candidate, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

6. Sarah L. Krein is a research health scientist, VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, and a research professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Abstract

Background Family caregivers often experience psychological distress during a critical care hospitalization, potentially compromising their ability to function effectively in a supportive role. A better understanding of the sources of family caregiver distress is needed to inform strategies to mitigate its development and impact. Objective To explore sources of family caregiver psychological distress during a critical care hospitalization and how caregivers’ experiences may differ by their anxiety level. Methods Forty adult family members of patients receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours in 2 intensive care units at an academic medical center were interviewed. A qualitative directed content analysis was done. Experiences were compared by anxiety level group, defined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: anxiety (n = 15), borderline anxiety (n = 11), and low anxiety (n=14). Results Most family members (32%) were adult children; no major demographic differences were noted across anxiety groups. Among caregivers in the anxiety group, salient factors included early unknowns around critical illness, health care team processes, care decisions made, financial and housing concerns, family dysfunction, and new responsibilities. In general, low-anxiety family caregivers did not express their concerns using language of distress but rather expressed emotion and disappointment and often took action to process their concerns. Conclusions Factors influencing family caregiver distress during the critical care stay were wide-ranging and varied by level of anxiety. The findings highlight several key areas and potential interventions to reduce psychological distress, especially among caregivers with anxiety.

Publisher

AACN Publishing

Subject

Critical Care Nursing,General Medicine

Cited by 1 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

1. Current Trends in Critical Care Nursing Research;American Journal of Critical Care;2023-05-01

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