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Pettersson C, Forsén J, Joelsson-Alm E, Fridh I, Björling G, Mattsson J. Piloting and watch over in the end-of-life care of intensive care unit patients with COVID-19-A qualitative study. Nurs Crit Care 2024. [PMID: 39021308 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care units (ICUs) were under heavy pressure, with a significantly increased number of severely ill patients. Hospitals introduced restrictions, and families could not visit their ill and dying family members. Patients were cared for without privacy, and several died in shared patient rooms, leaving the intensive care nurse to protect the patient's need for loving care in a vulnerable situation at the end of life. AIMS This study aimed to investigate how piloting and watch over were revealed in end-of-life care for patients with COVID-19 in intensive care COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN A qualitative study was conducted with an abductive approach was conducted. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews to cover the research area while allowing the informant to talk freely about the topic; 11 informants were interviewed. RESULTS The findings are presented based on four categories: The road to the decision, End-of-life care, Farewell of close family members and Closure. Each category and subcategory reveal how piloting and watch over were addressed in the end-of-life care of patients with COVID-19 in the ICU during the pandemic. Overall findings indicated that workload and organization of care directly affect the quality of care given, the acceptance of privacy and the possibility of dignified end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS Workload directly affects the quality of care, risking dehumanization of the patient. Visiting restrictions hindered supporting family members through the various piloting phases. Visiting restrictions also forced the ICU nurses to take on the role of the relative in watching over the patient. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Collaboration with family members is essential for the intensive care nurse to be able to provide a person-centred and dignified end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Pettersson
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Forsén
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Joelsson-Alm
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Björling
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Nursing, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Janet Mattsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Notodden, Norway
- Department of Health Science, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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Butler AE, Riegel M, Speedie L, Ranse K, Buckley T. The impact of COVID-19 on the provision of bereavement support in Australian intensive care units: A national survey. Aust Crit Care 2024; 37:577-584. [PMID: 38065795 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2023.10.008] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereavement support is a vital part of caring for families when a patient dies in the intensive care unit (ICU). Previous research has demonstrated that while many ICUs provide some informal aspects of bereavement care, formalised follow-up programmes are uncommon. The impacts of COVID-19 on ICU-based bereavement support are currently unknown. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to explore the current provision of bereavement support in Australian ICUs and identify the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these services. METHODS A cross-sectional exploratory web-based survey was used. The survey was distributed to one senior nurse in each public and private adult, paediatric, and neonatal ICU in Australia between April and July 2022. Descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Ethical approval was received from La Trobe University. RESULTS One hundred and four ICUs from 82 hospitals responded to the survey, with 36 units reporting a formal bereavement follow-up service. When compared to prepandemic levels, almost all of the common bereavement care practices explored in the survey were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open-ended responses also demonstrated significant impacts of COVID-19 on bereavement care provision, particularly related to Restricted family togetherness, Logistical Challenges, and Impacts on Staff. Staff members reported adjusting care provision in response to these challenges by exploring Alternative family communications, Facilitation of family togetherness, and Increasing familysupports. CONCLUSIONS Many of the common elements of ICU-based bereavement care were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the number of formal bereavement follow-up services in Australian ICUs remains largely unchanged since 2015. Ongoing research is needed to explore the long-term effects of these changes on staff and family wellbeing and on ongoing provision of ICU-based bereavement support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Riegel
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Speedie
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Kristen Ranse
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Thomas Buckley
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Peng Y, Wu H, Tao J, Wang Y, Zhang M, Huang P. The Current Status of Bereavement Care in Chinese Emergency Departments: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231224550. [PMID: 38152874 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231224550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the current status and challenges of bereavement care will help facilitate the development of bereavement care in the emergency department. However, little is known about the status of bereavement care in Chinese emergency departments and nurses' perceptions of bereavement care. We used a self-made questionnaire to survey 124 head nurses and 870 emergency nurses in 21 hospitals in Jiangsu Province in September 2023. Among 124 emergency departments, 78 (62.90%) emergency departments provided bereavement care strategies, and the most frequent strategy was a waiting room, relevant information on funeral arrangements and the establishment of a relatively secluded environment conducive to the solace of the patient's family, or the provision of a dedicated farewell chamber. Emergency nurses believed that bereavement care is important but difficult to implement, with support resources, environment and human resources being the main challenges. In the future, further attention should be paid to the development of bereavement care in the emergency department, and the implementation of bereavement care should be supported in terms of policies, funds, resources and personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Peng
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haoming Wu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Tao
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Labram AH, Johnston B, McGuire M. An integrative literature review examining the key elements of bereavement follow-up interventions in critical care. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:193-207. [PMID: 37432078 PMCID: PMC10371062 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000666] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to examine bereavement follow-up intervention studies in critical care, with the purpose of integrating results on the timing, content, aims and outcomes of interventions. The impact of a death in critical care is well documented, and bereavement follow-up is recognised as an important topic, but there is limited research with little consensus on the content and structure of interventions. RECENT FINDINGS A total of 18 papers were selected; 11 are intervention studies, with only one randomised control trial. Six papers were from national surveys and are not the focus of this review. Bereavement follow-up mainly consisted of information giving, condolence interventions, telephone calls and meetings with families. The timing, content, aims and outcomes depended on the intervention and were influenced by the design of the study. SUMMARY Overall, bereavement follow-up is acceptable for relatives but outcomes are mixed. Calls for more research are valid, but how do we utilise the current research to better inform the critical care community? Researchers suggest that bereavement follow-up interventions need to be designed with specific aims and outcomes, in collaboration with bereaved families that are appropriate to the intervention.
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Brooks LA, Manias E, Bloomer MJ. How do intensive care clinicians ensure culturally sensitive care for family members at the end of life? A retrospective descriptive study. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2022; 73:103303. [PMID: 35931595 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients and their family members have diverse needs at the end of life, influenced by culture. OBJECTIVE To examine whether clinicians (doctors and nurses), provided culturally sensitive care for family members of patients from culturally diverse backgrounds who died in an intensive care unit. METHODS A retrospective medical record audit was undertaken in four metropolitan intensive care units in Melbourne, Australia. Quantitative data are reported using descriptive statistics. Qualitative progress note entries are presented using themes. RESULTS In all, 430 patients died in 2018 and were included in the audit. Almost half of patients (47.9%, n = 206) were born in Australia, with the remaining 52.1% (n = 224) representing 41 other countries of birth. Languages other than English were spoken by 14.9% (n = 64) of patients. Christian religions were most common (50.2%, n = 216), followed by Buddhism 3.0% (n = 13), and Hindu and Islam respectively (1.9%, n = 8). A cultural assessment was undertaken in 10.5% (n = 45) of cases, mostly by social workers, to ascertain family members' wishes and preferences for the dying patient's end-of-life care. Religious leaders (eg. priests) (25.1%, n = 108) and interpreters (4.9%, n = 21) contributed to ensuring family members could participate as desired, in accordance with cultural wishes and preferences. CONCLUSIONS Despite the culturally-diverse patient population, findings show that details about culturally sensitive end-of-life care are rarely documented. Comprehensive documentation is required of how clinicians assess patient and family member cultural wishes and preferences, in conjunction with how clinicians attempt to address these cultural needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Brooks
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Manias
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa J Bloomer
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, QLD, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, QLD, Australia; Intensive Care Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Queensland Health, QLD, Australia
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Boven C, Dillen L, Van den Block L, Piers R, Van Den Noortgate N, Van Humbeeck L. In-Hospital Bereavement Services as an Act of Care and a Challenge: An Integrative Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e295-e316. [PMID: 34695567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Globally, people most often die within hospitals. As such, healthcare providers in hospitals are frequently confronted with dying persons and their bereaved relatives. OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of the current role hospitals take in providing bereavement care. Furthermore, we want to present an operational definition of bereavement care, the way it is currently implemented, relatives' satisfaction of receiving these services, and finally barriers and facilitators regarding the provision of bereavement care. METHODS An integrative review was conducted by searching four electronic databases, from January 2011 to December 2020, resulting in 47 studies. Different study designs were included and results were reported in accordance with the theoretical framework of Whittemore and Knafl (2005). RESULTS Only four articles defined bereavement care: two as services offered solely post loss and the other two as services offered pre and post loss. Although different bereavement services were delivered the time surrounding the death, the follow-up of bereaved relatives was less routinely offered. Relatives appreciated all bereavement services, which were rather informally and ad-hoc provided to them. Healthcare providers perceived bereavement care as important, but the provision was challenged by numerous factors (such as insufficient education and time). CONCLUSION Current in-hospital bereavement care can be seen as an act of care that is provided ad-hoc, resulting from the good-will of individual staff members. A tiered or stepped approach based on needs is preferred, as it allocates funds towards individuals-at-risk. Effective partnerships between hospitals and the community can be a useful, sustainable and cost-effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Boven
- Department of Geriatric Medicine (C.B., R.P., N.V.D.N., L.V.H.), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Let Dillen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care Unit (L.D.), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieve Van den Block
- End-of-life Care Research Group (L.V.D.B.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, Brussels Health Campus (Building C), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium & Campus Ghent University Hospital (Entrance 42 K3), Ghent, Belgium; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care (L.V.D.B.), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ruth Piers
- Department of Geriatric Medicine (C.B., R.P., N.V.D.N., L.V.H.), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Van Den Noortgate
- Department of Geriatric Medicine (C.B., R.P., N.V.D.N., L.V.H.), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Van Humbeeck
- Department of Geriatric Medicine (C.B., R.P., N.V.D.N., L.V.H.), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Erikson AE, Puntillo KA, McAdam JL. Bereavement Experiences of Families in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Am J Crit Care 2022; 31:13-23. [PMID: 34972855 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Losing a loved one in the intensive care unit is associated with complicated grief and increased psychologic distress for families. Providing bereavement support may help families during this time. However, little is known about the bereavement experiences of families of patients in the cardiac intensive care unit. OBJECTIVE To describe the bereavement experiences of families of patients in the cardiac intensive care unit. METHODS In this secondary analysis, an exploratory, descriptive design was used to understand the families' bereavement experiences. Families from 1 cardiac intensive care unit in a tertiary medical center in the western United States participated. Audiotaped telephone interviews were conducted by using a semistructured interview guide 13 to 15 months after the patient's death. A qualitative, descriptive technique was used for data analysis. Two independent researchers coded the interview transcripts and identified themes. RESULTS Twelve family members were interviewed. The majority were female (n = 8, 67%), spouses (n = 10, 83%), and White (n = 10, 83%); the mean age (SD) was 58.4 (16.7) years. Five main themes emerged: (1) families' bereavement work included both practical tasks and emotional processing; (2) families' bereavement experiences were individual; (3) these families were resilient and found their own resources and coping mechanisms; (4) the suddenness of a patient's death influenced families' bereavement experiences; and (5) families' experiences in the intensive care unit affected their bereavement. CONCLUSIONS This study provided insight into the bereavement experiences of families of patients in the cardiac intensive care unit. These findings may be useful for professionals working with bereaved families and for cardiac intensive care units considering adding bereavement support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa E. Erikson
- Alyssa E. Erikson is an associate professor, California State University, Monterey Bay, California
| | - Kathleen A. Puntillo
- Kathleen A. Puntillo is a professor emeritus, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer L. McAdam
- Jennifer L. McAdam is a professor, Samuel Merritt University, San Mateo, California
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Galazzi A, Adamini I, Bazzano G, Cancelli L, Fridh I, Laquintana D, Lusignani M, Rasero L. Intensive care unit diaries to help bereaved family members in their grieving process: a systematic review. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2021; 68:103121. [PMID: 34373147 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive care unit diaries are often used to support patients during their psychological recovery. The intensive care unit stay can be upsetting, disturbing and traumatic for both patients and their families especially when the patient does not survive. AIM To investigate the connection between intensive care unit diaries and the grieving process experienced by family members of adult patients deceased in the intensive care unit. METHODS Systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines: PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were consulted. The Caldwell's framework was used for the quality appraisal. RESULTS Only six studies examine this topic. The potential benefits of intensive care unit diaries in family members' bereavement process may be an aid to realise how extremely ill their loved one was, may provide comfort and may help relatives to cope with their loss. CONCLUSION The use of intensive care unit diaries to help family members' bereavement process may be a useful tool but further research is necessary to better understand their role and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Galazzi
- Department of Healthcare Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Ileana Adamini
- Department of Healthcare Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Bazzano
- Department of Healthcare Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Livia Cancelli
- Department of Healthcare Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Isabell Fridh
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Dario Laquintana
- Department of Healthcare Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maura Lusignani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Rasero
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Walker W, Efstathiou N. What's in this Special Issue. Nurs Crit Care 2020; 25:263-265. [PMID: 32815294 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Walker
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, UK
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