J Korean Acad Nurs.  2010 Jun;40(3):307-316. 10.4040/jkan.2010.40.3.307.

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

• Park JH
• Yoo MS
• Son YJ
• Bae SH

• KMID: 987578
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.3.307

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.

Keyword

Intensive care units; Patient transfer; Relocation stress

MeSH Terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Aged
Critical Illness/*psychology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
*Intensive Care Units
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Transfer
Questionnaires
Stress, Psychological/*etiology
Syndrome

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