J Pediatr Intensive Care 2020; 09(03): 188-195
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1705132
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Families' Experiences of Life in the Year after a Child's Critical Illness: Navigating the Road to a “New Normal”

Ellie K. Atkins
1   Paediatric Psychology Service, St. George's University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
,
Mary John
2   School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Surrey, United Kingdom
,
Gillian Colville
1   Paediatric Psychology Service, St. George's University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

28 October 2019

29 January 2020

Publication Date:
09 March 2020 (online)

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.

Supplementary Material

 
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