Abstract
Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients and family members (n = 18) postdischarge to examine how they managed their recovery in the year following
a child's intensive care unit admission. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory.
Participants described an ongoing need to develop and adapt their narratives about
admission and recovery. Other key themes were as follows: just getting through, recognizing
they had changed, striving for normality, and finding positive aspects related to
their experiences. It took longer than they expected for families to build a coherent
narrative of events postdischarge and to adjust to the “new normal.” Implications
for health professionals are discussed.
Keywords
outcomes - qualitative - postintensive care syndrome - pediatric intensive care unit
