Navigating Uncertainty: Family Experiences and Coping Strategies During Critical Care Hospitalisation: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Family members of patients admitted urgently to adult intensive care or coronary care units face significant psychological stress due to the sudden and severe nature of the illness. Having a greater understanding of their stressors and coping mechanisms is essential for developing interventions to support family members during and after critical care admissions.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the experiences and unique challenges faced by family members following an unplanned emergency hospitalisation to an adult critical care setting and to identify the coping strategies they employed.

Study design

Using a descriptive qualitative design, we employed inductive reflexive thematic analysis on a purposeful sample of 27 participants, whose loved ones underwent

SUBMITTER: Riegel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12507539 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature