Family Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients: Psychosocial Needs and Quality of Life

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Mansoura University- Faculty of Nursing- Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Department

2 Lecturer of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

3 Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: When a loved one is hospitalized in a critical care unit (CCU), their families may experience stressful and challenging times. Therefore, family members might have specific needs during this time, and their quality of life (QoL) might be impacted. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial needs and QoL of family caregivers of critically ill patients. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used in this study with a convenience sample of 110 adult primary caregivers in the CCUs of Doctor Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Family Caregivers' Psychosocial Needs Assessment Tool and Short Form (SF)-36 Standard QoL Questionnaire were used to collecting the data. Results: Assurance needs were the most significant need reported by the family caregivers (22.62±1.13), followed by information needs (25.25±1.34). The least important needs reported by family caregivers were comfort needs (16.25±1.22). The majority of family caregivers had a fair QoL level. Furthermore, the bodily pain domain had the highest quality of life mean percentage score (7.90±1.57), while the physical functioning domain had the lowest QoL mean percentage score (3.37±2.52). Conclusion: This study gives the CCU team a complete view of the needs and QoL of critically ill patients' caregivers in Saudi Arabia. According to our research, critical care nurses should give careful consideration to meeting the needs of family caregivers and improving their QoL while planning patient care.

Keywords: Critically ill patients, Family caregivers, Psychosocial needs, Quality of life.

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