Family Presence for Patients with Severe Acute Brain Injury and the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Journal of Palliative Medicine
Claire J CreutzfeldtRuth A Engelberg

Abstract

Objectives: The global COVID-19 pandemic made strict visitation policies necessary. We explored the experiences of family members of patients with severe acute brain injury focusing on the impact of family presence in the hospital. Methods: Semistructured interviews (February 2018-April 2020) were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We interviewed family members of 19 patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury, or cardiac arrest; five interviews occurred after initiation of restrictive visitation policies. Four key themes highlight the role of visitation on family's ability to (1) cope by being at the bedside, (2) protect and advocate for the patient, (3) build trust with clinicians, and (4) receive emotional support in the intensive care unit. After visitation restrictions, families found ways to communicate and support virtually and wished for proactive communication from clinicians. Conclusions: Family presence at patient's bedside fulfills important needs. Visitation restrictions require hospitals to be creative and inclusive to help maintain these connections.

References

Jun 30, 2012·Qualitative Health Research·Margarete Sandelowski, Jennifer Leeman
Apr 3, 2018·Journal of Palliative Medicine·Darin B ZahuranecAngela Fagerlin
Jun 26, 2018·Quality & Quantity·Benjamin SaundersClare Jinks
Jun 12, 2020·Journal of Palliative Medicine·Isaac S ChuaMihir Kamdar

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Citations

Aug 12, 2021·Journal of Patient Experience·Junpei HarunaYoshiki Masuda

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Brain Injury & Trauma

brain injury after impact to the head is due to both immediate mechanical effects and delayed responses of neural tissues.

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