J Clin Nurs. 2007 Jan;16(1):185-93.
Chan KS, Twinn S.
Intensive Care Unit, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the major stressors affecting Chinese
adults whose partner had been admitted to an intensive care unit and to
understand the major coping strategies employed to manage such stressors.
BACKGROUND: Recently a greater number of patients of higher acuity have been
admitted to intensive care units and survive lengthy illnesses of an
unpredictable course. Such critical illnesses have been identified as a major
life event to family members of these patients. Little is known, however, about
the stressors and coping mechanisms of Chinese adults whose critically ill
partner is admitted to an intensive care unit. METHODS: An exploratory
qualitative design was selected to achieve the aims of the study. A purposive
sample of 10 Chinese adults with a partner in an intensive care unit of a
regional general hospital in Hong Kong participated in tape-recorded
semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was employed to analyse the
translated interviews. FINDINGS: Categories of stressors included uncertainty,
difficulties in communication, changes in roles and responsibilities,
difficulties in decision making, financial strain as well as changes in
relationships. Analysis identified a range of coping strategies which included
seeking information, seeking support, reliance on cultural beliefs and practices,
turning to religious beliefs, maintaining hope and acceptance of illness.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the importance of cultural beliefs and
practices in determining the coping mechanisms employed to manage the stressors
identified by this sample of Chinese adults. Such findings indicate the use of
both internal and external coping strategies in order to maintain equilibrium in
the family. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Implications for nursing practice
highlight the significance of seeking information throughout the critical period
and also culturally appropriate support from healthcare professionals.