title: Relatives' experiences in intensive care--finding a place in a world of uncertainty.
abstract: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of relatives of critically ill patients in adult intensive care. A qualitative research design was chosen, using a Grounded Theory approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with four spouses and three parents in a Danish University Hospital. An overall process of fitting in was apparent, explaining how relatives tried to manoeuvre in a chaotic and scary situation. The relatives were clearly in turmoil, yet found ways of coping in the situation and developing adaptation ability. Three major strategies were identified: enduring uncertainty, putting self aside and forming personal cues. This explorative study points to relatives being vulnerable and resourceful at the same time, struggling to find a place, experiencing distance from the patient as well as from the professionals and uncertainty regarding what to expect and how to act in the ICU. The study is a contribution to understanding relatives' needs and strategies and to developing better communication and cooperation between nurses and the patients' relatives.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Skejby Sygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. anne.agard@reher-langberg.dk <anne.agard@reher-langberg.dk>
authors.forename: Anne Sophie
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Agård
authors.forename: Ingegerd
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Harder
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003422:Critical Care / Q000523:psychology*; D003463:Cues; D003718:Denmark; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012380:Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035501:Uncertainty