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Renckens SC, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Jorna Z, Klop HT, du Perron C, van Zuylen L, Steegers MAH, Ten Tusscher BL, van Mol MMC, de Ruijter W, Pasman HR. Experiences with and needs for aftercare following the death of a loved one in the ICU: a mixed-methods study among bereaved relatives. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:65. [PMID: 38433194 PMCID: PMC10910713 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01396-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereaved relatives of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at increased risk of psychological complaints. Aftercare might help them cope with processing the ICU admission and their loved one's death. There is little (qualitative) evidence on how bereaved relatives experience aftercare. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted aftercare provision. We aim to examine how many relatives in Dutch ICUs received aftercare before and during the pandemic and to qualitatively describe their experiences and needs regarding aftercare. METHODS A mixed-methods study among relatives of patients who died in an ICU before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bereaved relatives in six ICUs completed a questionnaire (n = 90), including two items on aftercare. These were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests. Subsequently, both relatives that received and relatives that did not receive aftercare were interviewed about their experiences and needs regarding aftercare. The interviews were thematically analyzed. RESULTS After the passing of a loved one, 44% of the relatives were asked by a healthcare professional from the hospital how they were doing, and 26% had had a follow-up conversation. Both happened more often during the first wave of the pandemic than during the second wave or before the pandemic. The most common reason for not having had a follow-up conversation was not knowing about this option (44%), followed by not feeling a need (26%). Regarding the latter, interviewed relatives explained that this would not revive their loved one or that they had already discussed everything they wanted. Relatives who wanted a follow-up conversation, wanted this because this would help them realize the severity of their loved one's illness, to exchange personal experiences, and/or to thank the ICU team. Those with a follow-up conversation said that they had reviewed the medical course of the admission and/or discussed their (mental) well-being. CONCLUSIONS ICU healthcare professionals may play a vital role in addressing aftercare needs by asking relatives how they are doing in the weeks following the death of their loved one and offering them a follow-up conversation with an ICU physician. We recommend to include aftercare for bereaved relatives in ICU guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Renckens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zina Jorna
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna T Klop
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Viaa University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal du Perron
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique A H Steegers
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birkitt L Ten Tusscher
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margo M C van Mol
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine Adults, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Foundation Family and patient Centered Intensive Care (FCIC), Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter de Ruijter
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - H Roeline Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Renckens SC, Pasman HR, Jorna Z, Klop HT, Perron CD, van Zuylen L, Steegers MAH, Ten Tusscher BL, van Mol MMC, Vloet LCM, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD. Varying (preferred) levels of involvement in treatment decision-making in the intensive care unit before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study among relatives. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:46. [PMID: 38347583 PMCID: PMC10863197 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02429-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the intensive care unit (ICU) relatives play a crucial role as surrogate decision-makers, since most patients cannot communicate due to their illness and treatment. Their level of involvement in decision-making can affect their psychological well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, relatives' involvement probably changed. We aim to investigate relatives' involvement in decision-making in the ICU before and during the pandemic and their experiences and preferences in this regard. METHODS A mixed-methods study among relatives of ICU patients admitted to an ICU before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relatives in six ICUs completed a questionnaire (n = 329), including two items on decision-making. These were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. Subsequently, relatives (n = 24) were interviewed about their experiences and preferences regarding decision-making. Thematic analysis was used for analysing the qualitative data. RESULTS Nearly 55% of the relatives indicated they were at least occasionally asked to be involved in important treatment decisions and of these relatives 97.1% reported to have had enough time to discuss questions and concerns when important decisions were to be made. During the first COVID-19 wave relatives were significantly less likely to be involved in decision-making compared to relatives from pre-COVID-19. The interviews showed that involvement varied from being informed about an already made decision to deliberation about the best treatment option. Preferences for involvement also varied, with some relatives preferring no involvement due to a perceived lack of expertise and others preferring an active role as the patient's advocate. Discussing a patient's quality of life was appreciated by relatives, and according to relatives healthcare professionals also found this valuable. In some cases the preferred and actual involvement was in discordance, preferring either a larger or a smaller role. CONCLUSIONS As treatment alignment with a patient's values and preferences and accordance between preferred and actual involvement in decision-making is very important, we suggest that the treatment decision-making process should start with discussions about a patient's quality of life, followed by tailoring the process to relatives' preferences as much as possible. Healthcare professionals should be aware of relatives' heterogeneous and possibly changing preferences regarding the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Renckens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - H Roeline Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zina Jorna
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna T Klop
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Viaa University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal du Perron
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique A H Steegers
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birkitt L Ten Tusscher
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margo M C van Mol
- Erasmus MC, Department of Intensive Care Medicine Adults, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Foundation Family and patient Centered Intensive Care (FCIC), Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- Foundation Family and patient Centered Intensive Care (FCIC), Alkmaar, The Netherlands
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Renckens SC, Pasman HR, Klop HT, du Perron C, van Zuylen L, Steegers MAH, Ten Tusscher BL, Abbink FCH, de Ruijter W, Vloet LCM, Koster SCE, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD. Support for relatives in the intensive care unit: lessons from a cross-sectional multicentre cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:763. [PMID: 37464434 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09756-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Support for relatives is highly important in the intensive care unit (ICU). During the first COVID-19 wave support for relatives had to be changed considerably. The alternative support could have decreased the quality and sense of support. We aimed to evaluate how support for relatives in Dutch ICUs was organised during the first COVID-19 wave and how this was experienced by these relatives in comparison to relatives from pre-COVID-19 and the second wave. Additionally, we aimed to investigate which elements of support are associated with positive experiences. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional multicentre cohort study in six Dutch ICUs in the Netherlands. Written questionnaires were distributed among relatives of ICU patients from pre-COVID-19, the first wave and the second wave. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, the organisation of support, and the experiences and satisfaction of relatives with the support. RESULTS A total of 329 relatives completed the questionnaire (52% partner, 72% woman and 63% ICU stay of 11 days or longer). Support for relatives of ICU patients during the first COVID-19 wave differed significantly from pre-COVID-19 and the second wave. Differences were found in all categories of elements of support: who, when, how and what. Overall, relatives from the three time periods were very positive about the support. The only difference in satisfaction between the three time periods, was the higher proportion of relatives indicating that healthcare professionals had enough time for them during the first wave. Elements of support which were associated with many positive experiences and satisfaction were: fixed timeslot, receiving information (e.g. leaflets) on ≥ 2 topics, discussing > 5 topics with healthcare professionals, and being offered emotional support. CONCLUSIONS Although, support for relatives in the ICU changed considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, relatives were still positive about this support. The altered support gave insight into avenues for improvement for future comparable situations as well as for normal daily ICU practice: e.g. daily contact at a fixed timeslot, offering video calling between patients and relatives, and offering emotional support. ICUs should consider which elements need improvement in their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Renckens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - H Roeline Pasman
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna T Klop
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Viaa University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal du Perron
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique A H Steegers
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birkitt L Ten Tusscher
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floor C H Abbink
- Department of Paediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter de Ruijter
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Lilian C M Vloet
- Foundation Family and Patient Centered Intensive Care (FCIC), Alkmaar, The Netherlands
- Research Department of Emergency and Critical Care, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie C E Koster
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Zaans Medisch Centrum, Zaandam, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Klop HT, Nasori M, Klinge TW, Hoopman R, de Vos MA, du Perron C, van Zuylen L, Steegers M, Ten Tusscher BL, Abbink FCH, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Pasman HRW. Family support on intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative evaluation study into experiences of relatives. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1060. [PMID: 34615524 PMCID: PMC8494165 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, relatives of patients with COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) were severely restricted in visiting their relatives and in communicating with treating physicians. Family communication is a core element of critical care, however, this pandemic forced medical ICU staff to arrange alternative family support for instance by Family Support Teams (FSTs), consisting of non-ICU affiliated staff who telephonically contacted relatives. This study aims to examine relatives’ experiences with FSTs on two ICUs of a Dutch university medical centre, and to evaluate its working strategies. . Methods In a semi-structured interview study, relatives of patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICU’s, who had been supported by the FSTs, were sampled purposively. Twenty-one interviews were conducted telephonically by three researchers. All interviews were topic list guided and audio-recorded. Data was analysed thematically. Results All participants indicated they went through a rough time. Almost all evaluated the FSTs positively. Four major themes were identified. First, three important pillars of the FSTs were providing relatives with transparency about the patients’ situation, providing attention to relatives’ well-being, and providing predictability and certainty by calling on a daily basis in a period characterised by insecurity. Second, relatives appeared to fulfil their information needs by calls of the FSTs, but also by calling the attending ICU nurse. Information provided by the FSTs was associated with details and reliability, information provided by nurses was associated with the patient’s daily care. Third, being a primary family contact was generally experienced as both valuable and as an emotional burden. Last, participants missed proper aftercare. Family support often stopped directly after the patient died or had left the ICU. Relatives expressed a need for extended support after that moment since they had strong emotions after discharge or death of the patient. Conclusions Family support in times of the extreme COVID-19 situation is important, as relatives are restricted in communication and have a strong need for information and support. Relatives feel encouraged by structure, frequency, support and understanding by FSTs. However, remote family support should be tailored to the needs of relatives. A fixed contact person on de ICU and video calling might be good extra options for family support, also in future post COVID-19 care, but cannot replace physical visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna T Klop
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute (APH), De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands. .,Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Mana Nasori
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tjitske W Klinge
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rianne Hoopman
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute (APH), De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam A de Vos
- Department of Paediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Chantal du Perron
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute (APH), De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monique Steegers
- Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Birkitt L Ten Tusscher
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Floor C H Abbink
- Department of Paediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute (APH), De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - H Roeline W Pasman
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute (APH), De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expertise Center for Palliative Care Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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