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The experiences of nurse in providing psychosocial support to families of critically ill trauma patients in the intensive care unit
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the research was to explore the experiences of ICU nurses in providing psychosocial support to families of critically ill trauma patients.
Research approach: Using an interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological approach, two semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant to explore their experiences of providing psychological support to families in ICU. The study was conducted in the surgical ICUs of 2 private hospitals and 1 public hospital in the Durban metro area.
Findings: There were four main themes which emerged from the data namely; cultural awareness, communication challenges, providing assistance and lack of training.
Conclusion: These findings provide implications for practice that, if applied, would improve the ICU experience for both the nursing staff and the families they support.
Authors' affiliations
Petra Brysiewicz, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Busisiwe Rosemary Bhengu, University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Article History
Date published: 2010-11-24
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