Decision-making for a loved one in intensive care or intensive care leaves traces. 42% of families show signs of post-traumatic stress.
Authorize a treatment, an operation or even the end of the respiratory aid… Every year, these themes make the headlines. But what are the consequences for relatives who have to make a decision for the hospitalized patient? According to a study published in Critical Care Medicine, 4 in 10 people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Seventy-seven people agreed to answer questions from researchers at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio, USA). All had to make a medical decision for a loved one in intensive care or intensive care. Within 3 to 5 days of hospitalization, interviews were organized with these participants.
The responses distinguish three types of reactions. The first is to adapt emotionally. The people concerned seek support from others, do not dramatize their situation and try to be positive. The second reaction is manifested by a search for solutions: people seek information and develop a decision-making strategy. The third group is distinguished by a form of avoidance or denial of the situation. Usually, people try to reduce their discomfort with medication or alcohol. “We use all of these methods at one time or another,” says Amy Petrinec, lead author of the study. But in general, people use a strategy in a particular situation. “
Post-intensive care syndrome
30 days after hospitalization, the researchers met with the participants again to see if their situation had changed. A final interview was organized at 60 days. It was used to assess the presence of post-traumatic stress.
How to handle the necessary decision making is a predictor of PTSD. 42% of study participants exhibited significant signs. Among them, those in denial were the most numerous.
According to the researchers, these results plead in favor of better support for the families of hospitalized people. Anyone followed in intensive care will benefit from psychological care, in order to avoid the “post-intensive care syndrome”. This type of care should also be offered to relatives, says Amy Petrinec. Such results also plead in favor of a wider use of advance directives, which facilitate decision-making for loved ones.
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