Korean J Adult Nurs.  2014 Dec;26(6):603-613. 10.7475/kjan.2014.26.6.603.

Role Adaptation Processes of Family Caregivers with Patients Transferred from Intensive Care Unit to General Ward: Becoming almost a Nurse with Hope and Fear

• Kwon HK
• Song M

• KMID: 2298151
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2014.26.6.603

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore and identify the role adaptation processes of family caregivers with patients transferred from intensive care unit to general ward.
METHODS
Using a grounded theory methodology, in-depth individual interviews were conducted. Data were collected from 11 participants. The participants were asked about their experiences of role adaptation considering situational contexts and interactional strategies. Transcribed data and field notes were analyzed using constant comparative analysis.
RESULTS
The core category was 'becoming almost a nurse with hope and fear.' The identified phenomena by the participants were the joy of being alive, having hope for a full recovery, anxiety and fear of uncertain future, feeling burdensome on a given role. The results included both role adaptation and mal-adaptation of caregivers.
CONCLUSION
The role adaptation processes of family caregiver with patients transferred from intensive care unit to general ward can be explained as becoming almost a nurse with hope and fear. The findings of the study provided fundamental information for developing programs to support the given family caregivers for successful role adaptation.

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Caregivers*
Hope*
Humans
Intensive Care Units*
Patients' Rooms*
Qualitative Research

Figure

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  Figure 1. Role adaptation processes of patient's family caregiver transferred from intensive care unit to a general ward.

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