Perspectives of patients and family members regarding psychological support using intensive care diaries: An exploratory mixed methods study

Aitken, L. M. ORCID: 0000-0001-5722-9090, Rattray, J., Kenardy, J. A. , Hull, A. M., Ullman, A. J., Le Brocque, R., Mitchell, M., Davis, C., Castillo, M. I. & Macfarlane, B. (2016). Perspectives of patients and family members regarding psychological support using intensive care diaries: An exploratory mixed methods study. Journal of Critical Care, 38, pp. 263-268. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2016.12.003

Abstract

PURPOSE: Diaries summarizing intensive care are routine practice in some countries, although evidence to support diary use is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify whether distress post-intensive care influences patients' and relatives' choice as to whether they would like to receive a diary and what information delivery method is preferred.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intensive care patients admitted for at least 3 days and their relatives participated in an exploratory mixed methods study. Interviews were conducted 3 to 5 months after discharge. Psychological distress was assessed using Kessler-10 and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Checklist - 5. Perceptions of benefit of diaries were assessed using a 4-point Likert scale. Differences were examined using Fisher exact test (P<.05).

RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients and 22 relatives consented to participation, with 22 patients and 22 relatives interviewed before data saturation. Psychological distress was evident in 25 (47%) patients and 5 (23%) relatives. Participants' psychological health was similar for those who perceived diaries as beneficial, and those who did not. Themes included memory, process, and impact, although opinions were diverse.

CONCLUSIONS: Patient and relative preferences of receiving a diary are not related to psychological distress. Diverse opinions around common themes suggest the need for a range of interventions to aid psychological recovery.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2017. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Publisher Keywords:	Recovery, Posttraumatic stress, Anxiety, Depression, Intensive care, Intensive care diaries
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry R Medicine > RT Nursing
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences