Navigating Uncertainty: Family Experiences and Coping Strategies During Critical Care Hospitalisation: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Family members of patients admitted urgently to adult intensive care or coronary care units face significant psychological stress due to the sudden and severe nature of the illness. Having a greater understanding of their stressors and coping mechanisms is essential for developing interventions to support family members during and after critical care admissions. AIM: This study aimed to explore the experiences and unique challenges faced by family members following an unplanned emergency hospitalisation to an adult critical care setting and to identify the coping strategies they employed. STUDY DESIGN: Using a descriptive qualitative design, we employed inductive reflexive thematic analysis on a purposeful sample of 27 participants, whose loved ones underwent unplanned admissions to an adult intensive or coronary care unit at a tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS: Findings generated four themes: moving forward and coping with the early unknowns, communication contributions to family crisis, challenges and emotional struggle of supporting a loved one in hospital and navigating and redefining normal. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the substantial psychological stress experienced by family members of patients following unplanned admissions to intensive or coronary care units. Participants emphasised the critical importance of effective communication, noting that uncertainty and a lack of updates heightened feelings of isolation and anxiety. Findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to enhance communication and support strategies to promote a more supportive environment for families. Prioritising these aspects can enhance the experience of family members and contribute to better outcomes for both patients and their families. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Recognising the complex dynamics of family support and effective communication can help healthcare providers better address families' needs during critical medical events.