Lived experiences of family members of patients admitted to the intensive care unit at the Adult university teaching hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.

Family members of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) play a crucial role in the care and support of their loved ones. Understanding their experiences, challenges, and needs is essential for providing effective family-centered care in the ICU setting. This study therefore sought to explore the lived experiences of family members of patients admitted to the ICU at the Adult University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with 12 family members of patients admitted to ICU to gather their perspectives and experiences of having a family member admitted to ICU. Thematic analysis using NVIVO 14 was used to identify notable patterns and themes within the narratives of the participants. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes, which were (1) emotional impact, (2) communication challenges, (3) support systems and (4) healthcare system. Emotional impact emerged as a significant theme, highlighting feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress due to uncertainty and the critical condition of their loved ones. Communication challenges were also prominent, with participants expressing difficulties in understanding medical information and feeling excluded from decision-making processes. Coping mechanisms revealed reliance on social support, spirituality, and practical
strategies to navigate the stress of having a loved one in the ICU. Lastly, the healthcare system experience revealed mixed experiences, with some family members expressing trust and satisfaction in healthcare providers, while others reported feeling overwhelmed and neglected. The study revealed that admission of a loved one to ICU is a stressful event in the lives of family members. Family members of ICU patients experienced significant stress and anxiety, primarily due to inadequate communication and emotional support. It is therefore recommended that healthcare providers implement structured communication protocols and provide dedicated support services to enhance the experiences of both patients and their families.

Keywords: Family-centered care, Intensive Care Unit, experiences, challenges, coping strategies, Emotional impact