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

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. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00134-023-07202-9.

Novel Definitions of Wellness and Distress among Family Caregivers of Patients with Acute Cardiorespiratory Failure: A Qualitative Study

“…Our work identified additional dimensions of wellness related to other positive physical and psychological outcomes and the capacity for self-care. Finally, although many of these prior studies focused on more specific patient populations such as survivors of chronic critical illness or patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ( 28 , 30 , 33 ), our findings span bereaved caregivers and caregivers of survivors with a broad range of indications for ICU admission, increasing the generalizability of our definitions of wellness and distress across different caregiving experiences.…”