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Dandy S, Wittkowski A, Murray CD. Parents' experiences of receiving their child's diagnosis of congenital heart disease: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:351-378. [PMID: 37968248 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative research on parents' psychological experiences following their child's diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS A systematic search of six electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science) was completed, inclusive of all years up to May 2022. Any included articles were synthesized using thematic synthesis and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. RESULTS Twenty-six articles were included. Four main themes, and 11 subthemes, emerged from the synthesis. Theme 1 (unpreparedness for the diagnosis) concerned parents' shock, guilt and anger regarding the diagnosis. Theme 2 (the overwhelming reality of CHD) described parental fear about decision-making and the child's prognosis, and the influence of professionals on parents' well-being. Theme 3 (mourning multiple losses) detailed parents' sadness at losing their envisioned pregnancy, birth and parenthood experiences. Theme 4 (redefining hopes to reach an acceptance of CHD) described parents' adjustment to the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Receiving a child's CHD diagnosis was a uniquely challenging situation for parents. The findings provided insight into the emotions parents experienced and how they adjusted to the diagnosis psychologically. As parents' experiences were significantly influenced by their interactions with professionals, clinicians should offer compassion, validation and clear information throughout the diagnosis process.
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Zhang Y, Zhou H, Bai Y, Chen Z, Wang Y, Hu Q, Yang M, Wei W, Ding L, Ma F. Families under pressure: A qualitative study of stressors in families of children with congenital heart disease. Stress Health 2023; 39:989-999. [PMID: 36809656 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to better understand the stressors in families of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) to assist with formulating targeted stress management plans for such families. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken at a tertiary referral hospital in China. Following purposeful sampling, interviews were conducted with 21 parents of children with CHD regarding the stressors in their families. Following content analysis, 11 themes were generated from the data and categorised into six main domains: the initial stressor and associated hardships, normative transitions, prior strains, the consequences of family efforts to cope, intrafamily and social ambiguity, and sociocultural values. The 11 themes include confusion regarding the disease, hardships encountered during treatment, the heavy financial burden, the unusual growth track of the child due to the disease, normal events becoming abnormal for the family, impaired family functioning, family vulnerability, family resilience, family boundary ambiguity induced by role alteration, a lack of knowledge about community support and family stigma. Various and complex stressors exist for families of children with CHD. Medical personnel should fully evaluate the stressors and take targeted measures before implementing family stress management practices. It is also necessary to focus on the posttraumatic growth of families of children with CHD and strengthen resilience. Moreover, family boundary ambiguity and a lack of knowledge about community support should not be ignored, and further research is needed to explore these variables. Most importantly, policymakers and healthcare providers should adopt a range of strategies to address the stigma of being in a family of a child with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yangjuan Bai
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhisong Chen
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yanjiao Wang
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qiulan Hu
- ICU in Geriatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Mingfang Yang
- Urology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Neurosurgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lan Ding
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Watkins S, Isichei O, Gentles TL, Brown R, Percival T, Sadler L, Gorinski R, Crengle S, Cloete E, de Laat MWM, Bloomfield FH, Ward K. What is Known About Critical Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosis and Management Experiences from the Perspectives of Family and Healthcare Providers? A Systematic Integrative Literature Review. Pediatr Cardiol 2023; 44:280-296. [PMID: 36125507 PMCID: PMC9895021 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-022-03006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The experience of diagnosis, decision-making and management in critical congenital heart disease is layered with complexity for both families and clinicians. We synthesise the current evidence regarding the family and healthcare provider experience of critical congenital heart disease diagnosis and management. A systematic integrative literature review was conducted by keyword search of online databases, MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO, Cochrane, cumulative index to nursing and allied health literature (CINAHL Plus) and two journals, the Journal of Indigenous Research and Midwifery Journal from 1990. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to search results with citation mining of final included papers to ensure completeness. Two researchers assessed study quality combining three tools. A third researcher reviewed papers where no consensus was reached. Data was coded and analysed in four phases resulting in final refined themes to summarise the findings. Of 1817 unique papers, 22 met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality of the included studies was generally good, apart from three of fair quality. There is little information on the experience of the healthcare provider. Thematic analysis identified three themes relating to the family experience: (1) The diagnosis and treatment of a critical congenital heart disease child significantly impacts parental health and wellbeing. (2) The way that healthcare and information is provided influences parental response and adaptation, and (3) parental responses and adaptation can be influenced by how and when support occurs. The experience of diagnosis and management of a critical congenital heart disease child is stressful and life-changing for families. Further research is needed into the experience of minority and socially deprived families, and of the healthcare provider, to inform potential interventions at the healthcare provider and institutional levels to improve family experience and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Watkins
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - O. Isichei
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - R. Brown
- National Hauora Coalition, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T. Percival
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - R. Gorinski
- Heart Kids New Zealand, Tamariki Manawa Maia, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S. Crengle
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - E. Cloete
- Te Whatu Ora, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - F. H. Bloomfield
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - K. Ward
- School of Nursing, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Lin PJ, Liu YT, Huang CH, Huang SH, Chen CW. Caring perceptions and experiences of fathers of children with congenital heart disease: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Int J Nurs Pract 2021; 27:e12952. [PMID: 33963798 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To identify fathers' perceptions and experiences of caring for their children with congenital heart disease. DESIGN A qualitative systematic review. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Clinical Key, the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-based practice database, CINAHL Complete, Embase and PsycINFO were searched for all journal articles published before May 2020. REVIEW METHODS After applying the selection criteria, five studies were identified reporting on fathers with children between 1 month and 12 years. The quality of the articles was evaluated. RESULTS Six main themes regarding fathers' perceptions and experiences of caring for their children with congenital heart disease were identified: (1) lack of disease knowledge, (2) responsibility to the family and emotional suppression, (3) gratitude for the sustained life of their children, (4) acceptance of being different from others, (5) regrouping and planning for the future and (6) the struggles of father-child relationships. CONCLUSION In caring for their children with congenital heart disease, fathers are akin to a suffering warrior, full of hardship. With a self-imposed sense of responsibility and suppressed emotions, fathers may feel lonely and hurt, but they must fight for their families and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Jung Lin
- Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Department of Nursing, Hsin Sheng Junior College of Medical Care and Management, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hui Huang
- College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shu-He Huang
- College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Chen
- College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Knight Lozano R, May S, Clarkson C, Sarjeant R. Caregiver experiences of paediatric inpatient cardiac services: A qualitative systematic review. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2020; 20:147-159. [PMID: 33849062 DOI: 10.1177/1474515120951974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in paediatric care have contributed to an increasing survival of children with complex heart disease. Yet, life-saving management demands prolonged inpatient admissions, which contribute to emotional and psychological distress for parents and other caregivers in a role of main custody. AIM The purpose of this study was to identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative studies exploring caregivers' experiences of paediatric inpatient cardiac services, generating an understanding of their needs in hospital and informing priorities for change in healthcare delivery. METHODS Searches were conducted in Medline, Allied and Complimentary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMCARE, Scopus, PsychINFO, Proquest, OpenGrey and ETHOs from 2008-2019, reflecting recent advances in cardiac healthcare. Articles were selected using predetermined eligibility criteria dictating qualitative inquiry into caregiver perspectives whilst their child received hospital-based interventions for heart disease. All eligible studies underwent quality appraisal. Framework synthesis was used to analyse and summarise findings. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies involving 689 caregivers from 11 countries were included. Three overarching themes were identified: 'emotional capacity to care', 'practicalities of caring', and 'the bigger picture of caring'. CONCLUSIONS Through analysis and summary of qualitative primary research, this review captures the emotional challenges that caregivers face and practicalities of undertaking a caregiver role, whilst looking after their child with heart disease in hospital. The results widen the context of the caregiver role, encompassing the whole family unit beyond the hospital environment. This review exposes the impact of these challenges on caregiver competence, wellbeing and attachment to their unwell child, informing priorities for development of family-centred paediatric inpatient cardiac services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen May
- Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
| | - Carl Clarkson
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, UK
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McMahon E, Chang YS. From Surviving to Thriving - Parental Experiences of Hospitalised Infants with Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Qualitative Synthesis. J Pediatr Nurs 2020; 51:32-41. [PMID: 31884242 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital abnormality in infants and over one third of these infants will require surgical intervention in the neonatal period. This qualitative synthesis aimed to explore parental experiences of surgery and hospitalisation in the intensive care environment for the treatment of their infant's CHD in the first year of life in order to inform practice. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Qualitative primary research and qualitative elements of mixed methods studies published in English between January 2009 and February 2019 were eligible if they addressed the experiences and perspectives of parents whose infants had CHD undergoing cardiac surgery in the first year of life. SAMPLE Three hundred and forty-nine papers were screened. Six papers, with three of them from the same larger study, were included. RESULTS Five themes were developed from thematic synthesis. They are (1) intense conflicting emotions from heartbreak to joy, (2) the helplessness and uncertainty of waiting, (3) making sense of it all, (4) the power of relationships, and (5) parenting despite the challenges. CONCLUSION Parents experienced intense and fluctuating emotions, and found ways of coping. The integral role of healthcare professionals/nurses during this period was also evident. IMPLICATIONS Healthcare professionals/nurses have the potential to positively impact the care and outcomes for this growing population of infants with CHD and their families, helping them to thrive. More research is needed with longitudinal and multi-centred studies and in middle and low income counties to broaden our understanding of this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma McMahon
- Department of Child & Family Health, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yan-Shing Chang
- Department of Child & Family Health, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Congenital heart diseases: genetics, non-inherited risk factors, and signaling pathways. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-0050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are the most common congenital anomalies with an estimated prevalence of 8 in 1000 live births. CHDs occur as a result of abnormal embryogenesis of the heart. Congenital heart diseases are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The damage of the heart is irreversible due to a lack of regeneration potential, and usually, the patients may require surgical intervention. Studying the developmental biology of the heart is essential not only in understanding the mechanisms and pathogenesis of congenital heart diseases but also in providing us with insight towards developing new preventive and treatment methods.
Main body
The etiology of congenital heart diseases is still elusive. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated to play a role in the pathogenesis of the diseases. Recently, cardiac transcription factors, cardiac-specific genes, and signaling pathways, which are responsible for early cardiac morphogenesis have been extensively studied in both human and animal experiments but leave much to be desired. The discovery of novel genetic methods such as next generation sequencing and chromosomal microarrays have led to further study the genes, non-coding RNAs and subtle chromosomal changes, elucidating their implications to the etiology of congenital heart diseases. Studies have also implicated non-hereditary risk factors such as rubella infection, teratogens, maternal age, diabetes mellitus, and abnormal hemodynamics in causing CHDs.
These etiological factors raise questions on multifactorial etiology of CHDs. It is therefore important to endeavor in research based on finding the causes of CHDs. Finding causative factors will enable us to plan intervention strategies and mitigate the consequences associated with CHDs. This review, therefore, puts forward the genetic and non-genetic causes of congenital heart diseases. Besides, it discusses crucial signaling pathways which are involved in early cardiac morphogenesis. Consequently, we aim to consolidate our knowledge on multifactorial causes of CHDs so as to pave a way for further research regarding CHDs.
Conclusion
The multifactorial etiology of congenital heart diseases gives us a challenge to explicitly establishing specific causative factors and therefore plan intervention strategies. More well-designed studies and the use of novel genetic technologies could be the way through the discovery of etiological factors implicated in the pathogenesis of congenital heart diseases.
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Thomi M, Pfammatter JP, Spichiger E. Parental emotional and hands-on work-Experiences of parents with a newborn undergoing congenital heart surgery: A qualitative study. J SPEC PEDIATR NURS 2019; 24:e12269. [PMID: 31468697 DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore both mothers' and fathers' experiences from prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of their newborn's congenital heart disease (CHD) to the first discharge after heart surgery in a Swiss university children's hospital. DESIGN AND METHOD A qualitative research approach, based on a constructivist paradigm, was applied to explore participants' experiences and perceptions. Parents of nine children with moderate to severe CHD participated in semistructured joint couple interviews. Data were analyzed inductively via an iterative process, following the steps of thematic analysis. RESULTS Between the child's CHD diagnosis and hospital discharge after neonatal cardiac surgery, the overarching theme for parents was being confronted with demanding emotional and hands-on work. This parental work included four themes with subthemes: Parents had to tackle a route through an unknown hospital world from receiving the CHD diagnosis and experiencing delivery to attending to their child in the pediatric intensive care unit and during surgery, as well as during the transfer to and the stay on the pediatric cardiac unit. They experienced an at times challenging interplay with health care professionals, performed teamwork as the nuclear family and managed concerned relatives and friends. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health care professionals should establish trustful relationships with parents, while accompanying families continuously, providing consistent, straightforward information, and expressing appreciation for the parents' exceptional emotional and hands-on work. Health care professionals' awareness of parent's experiences is vital to compassionate family-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Thomi
- University Children's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Center for Congenital Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Pfammatter
- Center for Congenital Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Spichiger
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Head Office of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Discovering dad: paternal roles, responsibilities, and support needs as defined by fathers of children with complex cardiac conditions perioperatively. Cardiol Young 2019; 29:1143-1148. [PMID: 31391137 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951119001586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding perceptions of family caregivers' roles and responsibilities regarding their child with complex cardiac needs has potential to help care teams better support parents. Paternal experience has been under-explored in pediatric cardiac cohorts. METHODS Ten fathers of children undergoing cardiac surgery completed quantitative surveys on their knowledge needs and preferred format of communication. In face-to-face recorded interviews, they responded to open-ended questions about the definition of being a good father to a child with a complex cardiac condition, perceived paternal responsibilities, personal growth as a parent to a child with a complex heart condition, support needs, and recommendations to medical staff for paternal inclusion. Semantic content analysis was utilised. The study reports strictly followed COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research guidelines. RESULTS The fathers reported high preference for knowledge about the child's heart condition, communication about the treatment plan, and desire for inclusion in the care of their child. Paternal role was defined thematically as: providing a supportive presence, being there, offering bonded insight, serving as strong provider, and acting as an informed advocate. The fathers revealed that their responsibilities sometimes conflicted as they strove to serve as an emotional and economic stabiliser for their family, while also wanting to be foundationally present for their child perioperatively. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into paternal experience and strategies for paternal inclusion. This summary of the self-defined experience of the fathers of pediatric cardiac patients offers constructive and specific advice for medical teams.
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Björk K, Lindahl B, Fridh I. Family members' experiences of waiting in intensive care: a concept analysis. Scand J Caring Sci 2019; 33:522-539. [PMID: 30866083 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of family members' experience of waiting in an intensive care context using Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis. METHOD Systematic searches in CINAHL and PubMed retrieved 38 articles which illustrated the waiting experienced by family members in an intensive care context. Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was applied to the data. FINDINGS In total, five elements of the concept were identified in the analysis. These were as follows: living in limbo; feeling helpless and powerless; hoping; enduring; and fearing the worst. Family members' vigilance regarding their relative proved to be a related concept, but vigilance does not share the same set of attributes. The consequences of waiting were often negative for the relatives and caused them suffering. The references show that the concept was manifested in different situations and in intensive care units (ICUs) with various types of specialties. CONCLUSIONS The application of concept analysis has brought a deeper understanding and meaning to the experience of waiting among family members in an intensive care context. This may provide professionals with an awareness of how to take care of family members in this situation. The waiting is inevitable, but improved communication between the ICU staff and family members is necessary to reduce stress and alleviate the suffering of family members. It is important to acknowledge that waiting cannot be eliminated but family-centred care, including a friendly and welcoming hospital environment, can ease the burden of family members with a loved one in an ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofer Björk
- Department of Intensive Care, Northern Älvsborgs County Hospital, Trollhättan, Sweden.,Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Berit Lindahl
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
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