Exploring positive aspects of caregiving in family caregivers of adult ICU survivors from ICU to four months post-ICU discharge

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite growing attention to the positive meaning from ICU survivorship, little is known about positive experience among family caregivers of ICU survivors.

OBJECTIVES: To explore positive aspects of caregiving in family caregivers from patients' ICU admission to 4-month post-ICU discharge.

METHODS: A secondary analysis of data from 47 family caregivers of ICU patients who self-reported the measure, Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC, 11-item, score range 11-55).

RESULTS: Family caregivers rated their experience as positive overall across the time points (mean 42.42-44.95). Trends of higher mean PAC scores were observed in caregivers who were older than 50 years of age, parent or sibling of patients, not working, had religious background or preference, and had no financial difficulty. Better social support and psychological responses were associated with PAC.

CONCLUSION: In our sample, family caregivers of ICU survivors rated their caregiving experience as positive during the ICU and post-ICU periods.