A study to explore the experiences of patient and family volunteers in a critical care environment: a phenomenological analysis

摘要

Introduction: ICU survivors suffer persistent physical, psychological\udand social problems in the months and years after discharge from\udcritical care (1). Caregivers of these patients also suffer similar problems\ud(2). As a result, an innovative, peer supported rehabilitation\udprogramme- Intensive Care Syndrome: Promoting Independence\udand Return to Employment (InS:PIRE) was created in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.\udThis 5 week multi disciplinary programme, which is co facilitated\udby patient and family volunteers further along the recovery\udtrajectory, aims to empower patients and caregivers to take control of\udtheir health and wellbeing. The objective of this study was to explore\udthe experiences of the volunteers who participated in InS:PIRE. It also sought to identify the support required by volunteers from healthcare\udprofessionals involved in the project.\udMethods: Six in depth semi structured interviews were undertaken\udwith volunteers (both patients and family members) involved in the\udInS:PIRE clinic by an assistant psychologist. A predetermined topic\udguide was utilised to guide interviews. Interviews were audio recorded\udand transcribed verbatim. Interpretative Phenomenological\udAnalysis was used to analyse the transcripts (3). Peer Review was\udundertaken to ensure credibility of the findings.\udResults: Findings: Six key themes were identified from these interviews:\udthe social impact of volunteering, shared experiences; supporting\udothers; personal boundaries; support needs and personal gain. The importance\udof peer support and having a shared understanding of participants\udneeds were key themes for the volunteers. Volunteers described\udthe need for further support in areas such as: confidentiality; listening\udskills and understanding boundaries.\udConclusions: The use of peer volunteers in this ICU rehabilitation service\udhas been successful within this local context. Further, larger scale\udresearch studies, which explore further the impact of volunteering for\udICU survivors are required.