A study to explore the experiences of patient and family volunteers in a critical care environment: a phenomenological analysis

McPeake, J. , Struthers, R., Crawford, R., Devine, H., MacTavish, P. and Quasim, T. (2016) A study to explore the experiences of patient and family volunteers in a critical care environment: a phenomenological analysis. In: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Brussels, Belgium, 15-18 Mar 2016, pp. 180-182. (doi: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6)

Abstract

Introduction: ICU survivors suffer persistent physical, psychological and social problems in the months and years after discharge from critical care (1). Caregivers of these patients also suffer similar problems (2). As a result, an innovative, peer supported rehabilitation programme- Intensive Care Syndrome: Promoting Independence and Return to Employment (InS:PIRE) was created in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. This 5 week multi disciplinary programme, which is co facilitated by patient and family volunteers further along the recovery trajectory, aims to empower patients and caregivers to take control of their health and wellbeing. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of the volunteers who participated in InS:PIRE. It also sought to identify the support required by volunteers from healthcare professionals involved in the project. Methods: Six in depth semi structured interviews were undertaken with volunteers (both patients and family members) involved in the InS:PIRE clinic by an assistant psychologist. A predetermined topic guide was utilised to guide interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the transcripts (3). Peer Review was undertaken to ensure credibility of the findings. Results: Findings: Six key themes were identified from these interviews: the social impact of volunteering, shared experiences; supporting others; personal boundaries; support needs and personal gain. The importance of peer support and having a shared understanding of participants needs were key themes for the volunteers. Volunteers described the need for further support in areas such as: confidentiality; listening skills and understanding boundaries. Conclusions: The use of peer volunteers in this ICU rehabilitation service has been successful within this local context. Further, larger scale research studies, which explore further the impact of volunteering for ICU survivors are required.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Quasim, Professor Tara and McPeake, Dr Jo
• Authors: McPeake, J., Struthers, R., Crawford, R., Devine, H., MacTavish, P., and Quasim, T.
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General); R Medicine > RT Nursing
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• ISSN: 1466-609X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Critical care 20(2):P458
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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