B27-10 Exploring Posttraumatic Growth Experiences Among Family Caregivers Following ICU Discharge: Findings From Semi-structured Interviews

Rationale

Intensive care unit (ICU) admission can be traumatic for both patients and their family caregivers. While ICU families may experience unique trauma, they also have opportunities for posttraumatic growth. However, information on posttraumatic growth in ICU survivorship is sparse, and little is known about how family caregivers find positive aspects in post-ICU recovery. This study explored ICU family caregivers’ posttraumatic growth experiences and influencing factors during the post-ICU period.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with former ICU family caregivers invited from an ongoing observational study of posttraumatic growth in ICU survivor-caregiver dyads. Eligible family caregivers included those who were family caregivers of adult ICU patients with ICU stays of > 48 hours and were primarily responsible for post-discharge care. Interviews were conducted at 3-6 months post-ICU discharge and included open-ended questions and probes about (1) experiences of posttraumatic growth, (2) perceived influences on growth, and (3) needed services and supports. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and verified for accuracy. Two trained qualitative team members analyzed the data using thematic content analysis and constant comparative methods in Dedoose.

Results

We interviewed 17 former ICU family caregivers (mean age 57; 70.6% female; 88.2% White), most of whom were spouses/partners (76.5%). Our analysis showed a caregiver trajectory marked by a transition from acute ICU distress—panic, uncertainty/unpreparedness, and fear—to a complex post-ICU period characterized by mismatched transitional care services and persistent emotional burdens, including hypervigilance, ongoing worry, and trauma. Despite these challenges, the majority of caregivers reported posttraumatic growth, including greater personal strength, deepened spiritual conviction, discovering new possibilities, and relational growth with the patient and others. Greater personal strength was the predominant theme across caregivers, and was largely contingent upon facilitators such as self-efficacy, evolving coping strategies (learning/adaptation, acceptance/preparedness), and proactive coping and goal setting through increased confidence and use of support. Caregivers also highlighted the importance of faith and spiritual beliefs, social support, and guidance and resources from the medical team as key facilitators of a positive outlook and, ultimately, posttraumatic growth. Recommended services/support for posttraumatic growth described by family caregivers included structural supports—improved discharge logistics, financial navigation, and peer-led support—to bridge the gap between clinical crisis and long-term recovery.

Conclusions

Family caregivers of ICU patients experience some degree of posttraumatic growth that may buffer psychological distress and support post-ICU recovery. These findings underscore the need to move beyond crisis-focused care and develop interventions that promote caregiver well-being and growth.

This abstract is funded by: ZOLL Foundation