Volume 7, Issue 1 (Winter 2021)                   JCCNC 2021, 7(1): 9-16 | Back to browse issues page


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Karimollahi M, Tazakori Z, Falahtabar R, Ajri-Khameslou M. The Perceptions of Families of Comatose Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study. JCCNC 2021; 7 (1) :9-16
URL: http://jccnc.iums.ac.ir/article-1-291-en.html
1- Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
2- Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. , ajri.mehdi@gmail.com
Abstract:   (3189 Views)
Background: There are specific challenges regarding the perceptions of families of comatose patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Identifying these perceptions may attract the cooperation of families with nurses and provide better care for patients. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of families of comatose patients in ICUs.
Methods: This was a qualitative content-analysis study. Seventeen families with comatose patients were recruited by the purposive sampling technique. The necessary data were generated by semi-structured interviews, continued until data saturation, and concurrently analyzed by an inductive content analysis method.
Results: Four main categories were manifested, including shock and disbelief, the effort for adaptation, exhaustion, and burnout as well as hope and support.
Conclusion: The obtained results signified the importance of nurses’ awareness concerning the family members’ perceptions of their comatose patient status in ICUs. The relevant findings reflected the need for nurses to pay attention to the feelings and emotions of the families of these patients.
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● There are specific challenges regarding the perceptions of families of patients affected with coma in intensive care units. 
● Identifying these perceptions may attract the cooperation of families with nurses and providing better care for patients.
● The present study findings led to the formation of 4 categories; shock and disbelief, the effort for adaptation, exhaustion, and burnout and hope and support. 
● According to the study findings, patients’ families should be supported by the intensive care team.
Plain Language Summary 
Many people annually go into a coma all over the world and most of them are admitted to intensive care units. The hospitalization of a family member in a critical care unit is a very bitter and special experience. This study explored the perceptions of the families of comatose patients in intensive care units. The related findings suggested that the families are in shock and disbelief, and try to adapt to the situation, feel exhausted and burnt-out, and need hope and support. The findings reflected the need for nurses to pay attention to the feelings and emotions of the families of these patients.

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2020/09/10 | Accepted: 2020/11/17 | Published: 2021/02/1

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