J Korean Acad Nurs.  2016 Apr;46(2):159-167. 10.4040/jkan.2016.46.2.159.

Psychological and Physical Health in Family Caregivers of Intensive Care Unit Survivors: Current Knowledge and Future Research Strategies

• Choi J
• Donahoe MP
• Hoffman LA

• KMID: 2413147
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2016.46.2.159

Abstract

PURPOSE
This article provides an overview of current knowledge on the impact of caregiving on the psychological and physical health of family caregivers of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and suggestions for future research.
METHODS
Review of selected papers published in English between January 2000 and October 2015 reporting psychological and physical health outcomes in family caregivers of ICU survivors.
RESULTS
In family caregivers of ICU survivors followed up to five years after patients' discharge from an ICU, psychological symptoms, manifested as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, were highly prevalent. Poor self-care, sleep disturbances and fatigue were identified as common physical health problems in family caregivers. Studies to date are mainly descriptive; few interventions have targeted family caregivers. Further, studies that elicit unique needs of families from diverse cultures are lacking.
CONCLUSION
Studies to date have described the impact of caregiving on the psychological and physical health in family caregivers of ICU survivors. Few studies have tested interventions to support unique needs in this population. Therefore, evidence for best strategies is lacking. Future research is needed to identify ICU caregivers at greatest risk for distress, time points to target interventions with maximal efficacy, needs of those from diverse cultures and test interventions to mitigate family caregivers' burden.

Keyword

Intensive care unit; Caregivers; Family

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Caregivers/*psychology
Depression/etiology
Family
Fatigue/etiology
Health Status
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Self Care
Sleep Wake Disorders/etiology
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/etiology
*Stress, Psychological
Survivors

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