The Impact of Social Support Networks on Family Resilience in an Australian Intensive Care Unit: A Constructivist Grounded Theory

ConclusionsThis study offers a framework to improve patient ‐ and family‐centered care in the ICU by facilitating families’ ability to manage their situation more effectively. Social support offered by family members facilitates the families’ ability to regain control. An ICU family resilience theoretical framework, situated within the context of the Australian healthcare system, adds to what is currently known about the families’ experiences in the ICU.Clinical RelevanceThe relationships that develop between families in the ICU may provide a source of social support; however, not all families welcome interactions with other ICU families, and it may cause further emotional distress. Further research is warranted to determine whether families suffer a secondary stress reaction from incidental interactions with other patients ’ families in the ICU. Furthermore, when family members pull together and offer social support to each other, they are better able to regain control. This process contributes to an ICU family resilience framework.
Source: Journal of Nursing Scholarship - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research