ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Family caregivers' experiences and needs of transitional care during the transfer from intensive care unit to a general ward: A qualitative study

Yuxin Zhan MSc, RN

orcid.org/0000-0001-8266-692X

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Jiaohua Yu MSc, RN,

Corresponding Author

Jiaohua Yu MSc, RN

Nursing Director, Associate Professor

[email protected]

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Correspondence

Jiaohua Yu, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China.

Email: [email protected]

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Yi Chen MSc, RN,

Yi Chen MSc, RN

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Yufang Liu MSc, RN,

Yufang Liu MSc, RN

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Yingyue Wang MSc, RN,

Yingyue Wang MSc, RN

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Yali Wan MSc, RN,

Yali Wan MSc, RN

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Suyun Li PhD, RN,

Suyun Li PhD, RN

Associate Professor

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Yuxin Zhan MSc, RN,

Yuxin Zhan MSc, RN

orcid.org/0000-0001-8266-692X

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Search for more papers by this author

Jiaohua Yu MSc, RN,

Corresponding Author

Jiaohua Yu MSc, RN

Nursing Director, Associate Professor

[email protected]

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

Correspondence

Jiaohua Yu, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China.

Email: [email protected]

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Yi Chen MSc, RN,

Yi Chen MSc, RN

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Yufang Liu MSc, RN,

Yufang Liu MSc, RN

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Yingyue Wang MSc, RN,

Yingyue Wang MSc, RN

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Yali Wan MSc, RN,

Yali Wan MSc, RN

School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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Suyun Li PhD, RN,

Suyun Li PhD, RN

Associate Professor

Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China

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First published: 19 November 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13518

Citations: 8

Funding information: Hubei Health Committee, Grant/Award Number: WJ2021M242

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Abstract

Aim

To explore the family caregivers' experiences and needs of transitional care during the transfer from an intensive care unit to a general ward in China.

Background

The transfer of patients from the intensive care unit to the ward is a vulnerable time for patients and caregivers, exposing the risk of readmission and death. However, there are few qualitative studies on the family caregivers' views of transitional care for their loved ones in China.

Methods

With a qualitative research design, 15 interviews were conducted with 15 family caregivers of hospitalized patients transferred from the neurosurgery ICU to the general ward. Colaizzi's (1978) method of data analysis was performed using the NVivo 11.0 software.

Results

Based on data analysis, four themes were obtained: perception of transfer decision, the experience of transitional care, the obstacles to maintaining care efficiency and demand for transitional care.

Conclusion

In order to enhance the continuity of care and improve patient safety during the transfer from an ICU to a general ward in China, priorities should be given to the implementation of effective strategies and methods, including providing psychological and emotional support, encouraging active participation of caregivers, and various communication and collaboration procedures.

Implications for Nursing Management

The findings from this study can be used as a guide to better preparation and awareness among health care professionals to achieve the much-needed demands of family caregivers, as well as the increased quality of transitional care.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No conflicts of interest exist.

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Due to the sensitive nature of the questions asked in this study, survey respondents were assured raw data would remain confidential and would not be shared.

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Family caregivers' experiences and needs of transitional care during the transfer from intensive care unit to a general ward: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Implications for Nursing Management

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

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Family caregivers' experiences and needs of transitional care during the transfer from intensive care unit to a general ward: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Implications for Nursing Management

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

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