Post-hospital recovery trajectories of family members of critically ill COVID-19 survivors: an international qualitative investigation

McPeake, J. , Castro, P., Kentish-Barnes, N., Cuzco, C., Azoulay, E., Mactavish, P., Quasim, T. and Puxty, K. (2023) Post-hospital recovery trajectories of family members of critically ill COVID-19 survivors: an international qualitative investigation. Intensive Care Medicine, 49(10), pp. 1203-1211. (doi: 10.1007/s00134-023-07202-9) (PMID:37698596) (PMCID:PMC10556116)

Abstract

Purpose: The immediate impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) visiting restrictions for family members has been well-documented. However, the longer-term trajectory, including mechanisms for support, is less well-known. To address this knowledge gap, we aimed to explore the post-hospital recovery trajectory of family members of patients hospitalised with a critical care COVID-19 admission. We also sought to understand any differences across international contexts. Methods: We undertook semi-structured interviews with family members of patients who had survived a COVID-19 critical care admission. Family members were recruited from Spain and the United Kingdom (UK) and telephone interviews were undertaken. Interviews were analysed using a thematic content analysis. Results: Across the international sites, 19 family members were interviewed. Four themes were identified: changing relationships and carer burden; family health and trauma; social support and networks and differences in lived experience. We found differences in the social support and networks theme across international contexts, with Spanish participants more frequently discussing religion as a form of support. Conclusions: This international qualitative investigation has demonstrated the challenges which family members of patients hospitalised with a critical care COVID-19 admission experience following hospital discharge. Specific support mechanisms which could include peer support networks, should be implemented for family members to ensure ongoing needs are met.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study was funded by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine Family partnership Award (2020). JM is funded via a Fellowship from The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (University of Cambridge (PD-2019-02-16).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mactavish, Mrs Pamela and Quasim, Professor Tara and Puxty, Dr Kathryn and McPeake, Dr Jo
• Authors: McPeake, J., Castro, P., Kentish-Barnes, N., Cuzco, C., Azoulay, E., Mactavish, P., Quasim, T., and Puxty, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: Intensive Care Medicine
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0342-4642
• ISSN (Online): 1432-1238
• Published Online: 12 September 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in Intensive Care Medicine 49(10):1203-1211
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license