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Intensive care
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Reasons for admission :
Emergency admissions
Planned admissions
In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) :
Seeing the patient in ICU for the first time
Suspending normal routines: visiting ICU every day
Uncertainty
Emotional impact on relatives & friends in ICU
Impact on children
Telling others
Relationships within and between families
Receiving information and news from doctors
Sources of information in ICU
Nursing care
Keeping a diary
Sources of support in ICU
At the bedside:
Waiting for news
Signs of improvement and progress
The relatives' room and overnight accommodation:
The relatives' room
Overnight accommodation
When someone dies :
End of life decisions
Death and bereavement:
When someone dies
Funerals
Coping with bereavement
On a general ward :
The ward environment and nursing care
Hospital discharge and rehabilitation
Life after leaving the hospital :
Supporting and caring for the ill person at home
Impact on work and finances
Attitudes to life after the hospital experience
Messages to others
Emotional impact on relatives and carers
Emotional impact on family and friends
Adjusting to a changed life
Support and information
Support and information
Lack of support and information
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
Subject index
Clip
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 16
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She and her husband support each other when caring for their son feels difficult.
She cares for her 13-year-old son, who has congenital muscular dystrophy. In 2003 he had a serious chest infection and was admitted to a peadiatric ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 33
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Within a few days her husband developed a rash, his kidneys started failing and he needed emergency surgery.
Her husband was admitted to ICU after having emergency surgery. It was particularly difficult looking after other family members as well as visiting her husband.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 31-40
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Interview 01
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Doctors so rarely come across the illness her sister had that she was taken into a lecture so trainee doctors could learn more about it.
In March 2005 her sister was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. This is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves, those outside the brain and spinal chord.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 03
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On the long journey to the hospital she just wanted her son to be alive, but didn't know how serious the accident had been or if she'd have to stay ov
In 2004 her 17-year-old son was a passenger in a car that was involved in a serious accident. He spent 17 days in ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 05
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When he saw his wife's accident he became hysterical and had to be calmed down by his son.
In 2003 his wife was involved in an accident in the home. He stayed at the hospital for two weeks while his wife was in the first ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 05
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He followed the ambulance which took his wife to another hospital, and the journey felt like the longest he'd ever made.
In 2003 his wife was involved in an accident in the home. He stayed at the hospital for two weeks while his wife was in the first ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 30 & under
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Interview 21
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She spent all day in intensive care and would come home briefly to spend some time with her new baby, who was being looked after by her mother.
In 2005 her partner had a car accident and spent over four months in ICU. She visited daily while her mother looked after her new baby.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 03
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Her mother looked after her two younger children which meant that she, her husband and in-laws could visit ICU every day so her son would always have
In 2004 her 17-year-old son was a passenger in a car that was involved in a serious accident. He spent 17 days in ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
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Interview 19
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No one in the family went to work, school or university during the first week because they felt they had to be at the bedside, even if there was nothi
Her brother had an accident while cleaning his motorbike. He had severe head injuries and spent almost four weeks in ICU, where she visited him daily.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 31-40
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Interview 23
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During the day he or his partner's parents were always at the bedside and, overnight, he slept on a chair so that he could be with her.
In 2006 his partner spent four weeks in ICU because of pneumonia. He visited her every day, sharing the visiting with his partner's parents.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 61-70
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Interview 37
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His wife's time in ICU felt like a roller coaster because she kept improving and deteriorating, but he, his son and daughter spent as much time as the
His wife spent 49 days in ICU because of severe lung problems. After her illness, he became involved in helping improve services for ICU patients.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 19
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Her sister came over from the States to visit their brother but, at that time, he couldn't recognise anyone or even move because of the head injuries
Her brother had an accident while cleaning his motorbike. He had severe head injuries and spent almost four weeks in ICU, where she visited him daily.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 12
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Some of her son's friends turned up at the hospital and, at that time, she found this difficult.
In 2005 her 21-year-old son sadly died in ICU. She focuses as much as she can on remembering the good memories they shared.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 31-40
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Interview 29
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The journey to the hospital was difficult because they didn't know how his partner's mother would be, but he felt close to the family and wanted to su
His partner's mother was admitted to ICU after an accident in the home. He lived with them at the time and tried to provide emotional support.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 28
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Her daughter's and son-in-law's house was exactly as they'd left it the day they had a car accident and she stayed there until they started improving.
Her daughter was admitted to a ward and her son-in-law to ICU after they had a car accident. She stayed in their home so she could visit.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 36
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He felt visitors shouldn't have to worry about parking when they have a relative in intensive care.
His father went to ICU after having a stroke and developing pneumonia. Members of the family supported one another and he is now closer to his sister.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 10
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She found waiting to be let into ICU stressful, especially when her partner was first admitted, and felt his parents probably ended up waiting longer
In 2006 her partner was diagnosed with Weil's disease, a rare bacterial infection. She stayed at the hospital for five nights and then in a nearby hotel.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 31-40
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Interview 35
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At the time she desperately wanted to know if her mother would survive but doctors couldn't tell her because they didn't know themselves.
Her mother was admitted to ICU because of gallstones and other complications. She visited her every day, often with her two young daughters, and kept a diary.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 04
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In the early stages no one could give her information or hope on whether her son would be brain damaged after his accident.
In October 2004, her son had a motorbike accident and was admitted to ICU. He had a serious head injury and broken jaw.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 31-40
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Interview 35
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She was devastated when her mother had to have further surgery because she could have died during it.
Her mother was admitted to ICU because of gallstones and other complications. She visited her every day, often with her two young daughters, and kept a diary.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 22
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He was shocked when told his wife could die if she didn't have surgery and that, even after having the operation, there was still a possibility she co
His wife had emergency surgery to remove a kidney. He found it difficult to discuss his feelings but received comfort from sitting alone in the hospital chapel.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 31-40
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Interview 18
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After saying her goodbyes to her friend, all she could do was wait until after the operation for further news.
Her best friend spent two weeks in ICU. She was the closest person to her, visited her daily and is now her main carer.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 19
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Doctors couldn't say for sure whether her brother would ever be himself again, and she was told that recovery from head injuries was often long and un
Her brother had an accident while cleaning his motorbike. He had severe head injuries and spent almost four weeks in ICU, where she visited him daily.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 04
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As a nurse and mother she refused to believe doctors who were telling her that her son would be permanently brain damaged.
In October 2004, her son had a motorbike accident and was admitted to ICU. He had a serious head injury and broken jaw.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 22
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He worried about losing his wife and coping without her because he relied on her so much.
His wife had emergency surgery to remove a kidney. He found it difficult to discuss his feelings but received comfort from sitting alone in the hospital chapel.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 17
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She wanted her husband to be able to breath by himself but it was difficult to focus only on this because other things kept going wrong.
Her husband was admitted to ICU because of a brain aneurysm. She spent eight weeks visiting him in two different hospitals, sometimes staying overnight.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 03
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A few days into her son's ICU stay, doctors found out that he'd ruptured his spleen and she was shocked to learn, yet again, that he could die.
In 2004 her 17-year-old son was a passenger in a car that was involved in a serious accident. He spent 17 days in ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 70 +
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Interview 26
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Her sister-in-law got better and worse so many times she felt embarrassed giving updates to others, though people were very understanding.
In 2006 her sister-in-law sadly died in ICU after having an accident in her car. She visited her daily and took care of all the practical matters.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 36
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He wanted to know why his father had got so ill so quickly, and tried to reassure his mother without giving her false hopes.
His father went to ICU after having a stroke and developing pneumonia. Members of the family supported one another and he is now closer to his sister.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 70 +
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Interview 25
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He waited at his wife's bedside until the early hours of the morning but no one at that time could tell him whether she would survive.
In 2006 his 79-year-old wife was admitted to intensive care. Their daughter was their main support and they are now moving to live near her.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 31-40
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Interview 18
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She took in her friend's toiletries, massaged cream into her hands and feet, and sat watching her progress for several weeks.
Her best friend spent two weeks in ICU. She was the closest person to her, visited her daily and is now her main carer.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
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Interview 23
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He found it difficult having his partner's parents staying with him while she was ill, and became withdrawn.
In 2006 his partner spent four weeks in ICU because of pneumonia. He visited her every day, sharing the visiting with his partner's parents.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
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Interview 01
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She was shocked when she found out the cold her sister had was life threatening and had temporarily left her paralysed [she had Guillain Barre Syndrom
In March 2005 her sister was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. This is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves, those outside the brain and spinal chord.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 41-50
>>
Interview 33
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She had a phone call in the middle of the night saying her husband's condition was deteriorating and that she should come in immediately.
Her husband was admitted to ICU after having emergency surgery. It was particularly difficult looking after other family members as well as visiting her husband.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 03
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Sometimes she worried how she'd cope if her son was left disabled because she would be his main carer.
In 2004 her 17-year-old son was a passenger in a car that was involved in a serious accident. He spent 17 days in ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 41-50
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Interview 10
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She tried not to think about what might happen in the future though, when it all became too much, the nurses were a fantastic support.
In 2006 her partner was diagnosed with Weil's disease, a rare bacterial infection. She stayed at the hospital for five nights and then in a nearby hotel.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
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Interview 19
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At the hospital she focussed on her brother's illness and on supporting his children. But, at home, when she could step back and think about what had
Her brother had an accident while cleaning his motorbike. He had severe head injuries and spent almost four weeks in ICU, where she visited him daily.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
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Interview 04
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Other people's everyday concerns felt minor and trivial compared to her own anxieties about her son's accident.
In October 2004, her son had a motorbike accident and was admitted to ICU. He had a serious head injury and broken jaw.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 36
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Although he supported everyone else and didn't show his feelings, he also had sleepless nights worrying about his dad's illness.
His father went to ICU after having a stroke and developing pneumonia. Members of the family supported one another and he is now closer to his sister.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
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Interview 15
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She felt that the men in her family found it harder to see her husband so ill, maybe because he had always been so outgoing.
Her husband was admitted to ICU because of an emergency heart problem, which was never diagnosed. She praised the care and professionalism of the ICU staff.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 41-50
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Interview 17
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Her life was so focussed on the hospital she hardly slept, worried every time the phone rang, and felt anxious and irritable.
Her husband was admitted to ICU because of a brain aneurysm. She spent eight weeks visiting him in two different hospitals, sometimes staying overnight.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
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Interview 14
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Doctors gave her husband a brain scan and reassured her that, though he was hallucinating, there was no evidence of brain damage.
She has cared for her husband full-time since he had a heart attack and life threatening infection that meant he had to have his leg amputated.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 41-50
>>
Interview 33
>>
From the time her husband was admitted to ICU to the time he came back home, she'd run the whole gamut of emotions.
Her husband was admitted to ICU after having emergency surgery. It was particularly difficult looking after other family members as well as visiting her husband.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 32
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At each stage of her husband's time in hospital she found herself fearful of the risks associated with the next ordeal.
His husband was admitted to ICU before and after a kidney pancreas transplant. She spent three weeks travelling to the hospital as well as working.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
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Interview 02
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After seeing her husband straight after he'd been admitted to ICU, she dreaded having to break the news of his accident to his parents.
In 2003 her husband had an accident while cycling on his mountain bike in woods close to their home. The accident left him with a serious head injury, fractures to his neck and spine, and a collapsed lung.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 35
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She slept better at night when she had a pager, knowing that any calls to her landline wouldn't be urgent.
Her mother was admitted to ICU because of gallstones and other complications. She visited her every day, often with her two young daughters, and kept a diary.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
>>
Interview 37
>>
After one particularly traumatic day at the hospital, he was in such a turmoil that receiving an unexpected phone call at 11pm left him feeling devast
His wife spent 49 days in ICU because of severe lung problems. After her illness, he became involved in helping improve services for ICU patients.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 19
>>
She didn't want to repeat herself over and over again or talk about her brother's illness with friends after spending all day in ICU.
Her brother had an accident while cleaning his motorbike. He had severe head injuries and spent almost four weeks in ICU, where she visited him daily.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 28
>>
At the beginning she felt her life revolved around the hospital and found it comforting talking to her family in the evenings.
Her daughter was admitted to a ward and her son-in-law to ICU after they had a car accident. She stayed in their home so she could visit.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 30 & under
>>
Interview 21
>>
She felt that her partner's family didn't understand her feelings but received a lot of support from nurses, who also ensured she had time alone with
In 2005 her partner had a car accident and spent over four months in ICU. She visited daily while her mother looked after her new baby.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
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Interview 23
>>
He wanted to have some time alone with his partner and often felt isolated because she was the one he usually turned to for support.
In 2006 his partner spent four weeks in ICU because of pneumonia. He visited her every day, sharing the visiting with his partner's parents.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
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Interview 15
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She didn't ask doctors why her husband was so ill because all she needed to know was whether he'd live. She and his doctors still don't know why he be
Her husband was admitted to ICU because of an emergency heart problem, which was never diagnosed. She praised the care and professionalism of the ICU staff.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
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Interview 27
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She'd had cancer before and worried about who would look after her husband if she ever became ill again.
Her husband had cardiac arrest and was admitted to ICU. She is his full-time carer and worries about leaving him on his own because of his memory.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
>>
Interview 14
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Her family phoned her every night and was supportive, though she also valued some quiet time alone after a long day at the hospital.
She has cared for her husband full-time since he had a heart attack and life threatening infection that meant he had to have his leg amputated.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 07
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They felt confused and upset and didn't understand why doctors were asking them to think about end of life decisions when their son could breathe with
Their son was admitted to ICU in 2005 with bacterial meningitis. It was a traumatic time but he is now back home and has made excellent progress.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 70 +
>>
Interview 26
>>
She felt confused with the information she received from different doctors but, when her sister-in-law deteriorated even further, doctors made the dec
In 2006 her sister-in-law sadly died in ICU after having an accident in her car. She visited her daily and took care of all the practical matters.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 09
>>
She felt doctors used a lot of medical language and didn't explain clearly that their son would be dying that very night, which came as a huge shock.
Her son had lymphoma and bowel perforation and sadly died on a ward. She felt doctors should explain information clearly to relatives, who are usually unfamiliar with medical terms.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 18
>>
Her friend was scared about being on a busy ward and having to do more for herself when she was still very weak.
Her best friend spent two weeks in ICU. She was the closest person to her, visited her daily and is now her main carer.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 04
>>
Her son had to have his own room because he had MRSA but she felt he was in danger of injuring himself whenever he tried to walk and that he needed su
In October 2004, her son had a motorbike accident and was admitted to ICU. He had a serious head injury and broken jaw.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 07
>>
They were disappointed that nurses were not doing more for their son and she ended up feeding, washing, changing and shaving him every day.
Their son was admitted to ICU in 2005 with bacterial meningitis. It was a traumatic time but he is now back home and has made excellent progress.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 41-50
>>
Interview 17
>>
She felt more reassured when her husband was transferred to a specialist hospital, because he was still very weak, confused and needed a lot of care.
Her husband was admitted to ICU because of a brain aneurysm. She spent eight weeks visiting him in two different hospitals, sometimes staying overnight.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 23
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His partner stayed on a ward for one night before moving to a private hospital, where he felt she would get more care and support.
In 2006 his partner spent four weeks in ICU because of pneumonia. He visited her every day, sharing the visiting with his partner's parents.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
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Interview 37
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After several bureaucratic problems, he was able to transfer his wife to a private hospital, where she would get the physiotherapy and psychological s
His wife spent 49 days in ICU because of severe lung problems. After her illness, he became involved in helping improve services for ICU patients.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 02
>>
Her husband became so depressed, she was so concerned about him that she agreed to help take him home that evening.
In 2003 her husband had an accident while cycling on his mountain bike in woods close to their home. The accident left him with a serious head injury, fractures to his neck and spine, and a collapsed lung.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 23
>>
He valued the support outreach nurses had given him and his partner before she was admitted to ICU and would have liked more support from them later o
In 2006 his partner spent four weeks in ICU because of pneumonia. He visited her every day, sharing the visiting with his partner's parents.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 20
>>
Their relative had a lot of hallucinations while on the ward but became more aware as time went on.
In 2004 his wife and her mother spent six months in hospital and was admitted to ICU three times because of sepsis and heart problems.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 41-50
>>
Interview 33
>>
Her husband was anxious about having surgery but they were both relieved and happy when doctors showed them his x-rays and told them he no longer need
Her husband was admitted to ICU after having emergency surgery. It was particularly difficult looking after other family members as well as visiting her husband.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 38
>>
At first she was worried about hurting her partner because of his surgery but, in time, they felt comfortable again about having sex.
In 2005 her husband had a car accident and was admitted to ICU for two weeks. She feels it is important for couples to discuss their feelings with one another and, when they feel ready, to get back to normal, including having sex again.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 02
>>
When her husband first came back home he had a lot of mood swings and she worried that these might be permanent.
In 2003 her husband had an accident while cycling on his mountain bike in woods close to their home. The accident left him with a serious head injury, fractures to his neck and spine, and a collapsed lung.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 15
>>
When her husband first came back home she used to check that he was still breathing while he was asleep and still phones him regularly if he's away to
Her husband was admitted to ICU because of an emergency heart problem, which was never diagnosed. She praised the care and professionalism of the ICU staff.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 29
>>
Family members sometimes became very emotional when his partner's mother was having a bad time and he benefited from talking about this with friends.
His partner's mother was admitted to ICU after an accident in the home. He lived with them at the time and tried to provide emotional support.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 35
>>
When her mother was recovering, she sometimes felt angry and forgotten because there was so little support for relatives.
Her mother was admitted to ICU because of gallstones and other complications. She visited her every day, often with her two young daughters, and kept a diary.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 51-60
>>
Interview 07
>>
She had post-traumatic stress disorder and counselling helped her focus on the present, whilst acknowledging what had happened in the past.
Their son was admitted to ICU in 2005 with bacterial meningitis. It was a traumatic time but he is now back home and has made excellent progress.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
>>
Interview 27
>>
Although her husband has made lots of progress, he still can't be left on his own for very long and, sometimes, other relatives help out.
Her husband had cardiac arrest and was admitted to ICU. She is his full-time carer and worries about leaving him on his own because of his memory.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
>>
Interview 31
>>
Because his wife is very weak, visually impaired and still has serious bowel problems, he looks after her and has become quite housebound.
He cares full-time for his wife, who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1998. She has been admitted to ICU several times and recently had a stroke.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 31-40
>>
Interview 18
>>
Her best friend has needed a lot of support and their relationship has changed because she now has to help her with her shopping, hospital appointment
Her best friend spent two weeks in ICU. She was the closest person to her, visited her daily and is now her main carer.
Intensive care
>>
Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
>>
Aged 61-70
>>
Interview 27
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Although she's never been interested in financial matters, she is now having to take care of everything because her husband wouldn't be able to rememb
Her husband had cardiac arrest and was admitted to ICU. She is his full-time carer and worries about leaving him on his own because of his memory.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 20
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At first he was worried that he'd become his wife's carer rather than her husband but that didn't become an issue.
In 2004 his wife and her mother spent six months in hospital and was admitted to ICU three times because of sepsis and heart problems.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 61-70
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Interview 14
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She gave up work to look after her husband full-time and, because neither she nor her husband are earning, this has had a big impact on them and they
She has cared for her husband full-time since he had a heart attack and life threatening infection that meant he had to have his leg amputated.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 05
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Trying to get benefits for his wife was difficult and degrading and they were given very little help or information.
In 2003 his wife was involved in an accident in the home. He stayed at the hospital for two weeks while his wife was in the first ICU.
Intensive care
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Intensive care: experiences of family & friends
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Aged 51-60
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Interview 04
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After her son's accident, she found it difficult to read, watch certain television programmes and, at first, felt very emotional when she heard ambula
In October 2004, her son had a motorbike accident and was admitted to ICU. He had a serious head injury and broken jaw.
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