Journal List > Korean J Adult Nurs > v.26(6) > 1094670

Kwon and Song: Role Adaptation Processes of Family Caregivers with Patients Transferred from Intensive Care Unit to General Ward: Becoming almost a Nurse with Hope and Fear

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore and identify the role adaptation processes of family caregivers with patients transferred from intensive care unit to general ward.

Methods

Using a grounded theory methodology, in-depth individual interviews were conducted. Data were collected from 11 participants. The participants were asked about their experiences of role adaptation considering situational contexts and interactional strategies. Transcribed data and field notes were analyzed using constant comparative analysis.

Results

The core category was ‘becoming almost a nurse with hope and fear.’ The identified phenomena by the participants were the joy of being alive, having hope for a full recovery, anxiety and fear of uncertain future, feeling burdensome on a given role. The results included both role adaptation and maladaptation of caregivers.

Conclusion

The role adaptation processes of family caregiver with patients transferred from intensive care unit to general ward can be explained as becoming almost a nurse with hope and fear. The findings of the study provided fundamental information for developing programs to support the given family caregivers for successful role adaptation.

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Figure 1.
Role adaptation processes of patient's family caregiver transferred from intensive care unit to a general ward.
kjan-26-603f1.tif
Table 1.
Dimensions, Categories and Sub-categories of the Experiences of Role Adaptation Processes of the Participants
Dimensions Categories Sub-categories
Phenomena Joy of alive and hope for a full recovery Joy of alive
Hope for a full recovery
Anxiety and fear of an uncertain future Anxiety about an uncertain patient's condition
Fear of transfer
Burden of a given role Stress for role in the future
Pressure for new role
Context Awareness of transfer Perceptions for recovery
Awareness of transfer plan
Experiences of the past transferred Experiences of the past in the general ward
Experiences of intensive care unit readmission
Information about role of caregiver in the general ward Information about environment of general ward
Information about goods required
Interactional strategies Becoming 'almost a nurse' Experiencing the caring role
Walking on eggshells
Asking for supports
Coping with feelings Sharing patient's feelings
Ventilation of emotions
Controlling over minds
Interventional conditions Internal conditions Types of thinking and behavior
Socio-economic status
Beliefs for family duty
Attitudes toward family care for women
External conditions Patient's conditions
Family support
Healthcare provider support
Results Role adaptation of caregiver Feeling familiar
Feeling supported
Being in control
Preparation for discharge
Role maladaptation of caregiver Feeling unfamiliar
Blame around people
Losing control
Fear of discharge
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