Factors Influencing Relocation Stress Syndrome in Patients Following Transfer from Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to identify the levels of relocation stress syndrome (RSS) and influencing the stress experienced by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients just after transfer to general wards. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 257 patients who transferred from the intensive care unit. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires from May to October, 2009. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and stepwise multiple linear regression with SPSS/WIN 12.0. Results: The mean score for RSS was 17.80± 9.16. The factors predicting relocation stress syndrome were symptom experience, differences in scope and quality of care provided by ICU and ward nursing staffs, satisfaction with transfer process, length of stay in ICU and economic status, and these factors explained 40% of relocation stress syndrome (F=31.61, p<.001). Conclusion: By understanding the stress experienced by ICU patients, nurses are better able to provide psychological support and thus more holistic care to critically ill patients. Further research is needed to consider the impact of relocation stress syndrome on patients' health outcomes in the recovery trajectory.

Clinical validity of a relocation stress scale for the families of patients transferred from intensive care units

“…It has been reported that relocation stress is significantly related to degree of preparation for relocation, family burden, patient self‐care ability and satisfaction with the relocation process (Cho & Kim , Park et al . ).…”

“…In this study, nomological validity was well supported by confirming significant relationships between relocation stress and preparation for relocation, family burden, patients' self‐care ability and satisfaction with the transfer process, which are well‐known factors of relocation stress (Cho & Kim , Park et al . ).…”

“…Park et al . () developed a one‐item visual analogue scale (VAS) to measure degree of satisfaction with the relocation process. In general, many one‐item face or VAS scales have been used to measure overall satisfaction in the psychosocial field, and found to have acceptable reliability and validity.…”

“…, Park et al . , St‐Louis & Brault ). This transfer anxiety has been also described as a form of separation anxiety (Carpenito , Chaboyer et al .…”

A tailored relocation stress intervention programme for family caregivers of patients transferred from a surgical intensive care unit to a general ward

“…Although several exploratory‐level studies have been conducted to identify the attributes and factors that influence relocation stress in patients and their family caregivers (McKinney & Melby , Han , Park et al . ), only a limited number of attempts have been made to develop or examine the merits of relocation stress intervention programmes. Furthermore, intervention studies on the topic have largely focused on the impacts of liaison nursing care or the roles of liaison nurses (Son , Endacott et al .…”