A Study of Caring Needs and Stress Perception of Primary Caregivers to ICU Patients

• Main Authors: Mei-Chin, 陳美琴
• Other Authors: Sheuan Lee
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/59030985959995322062

碩士 === 中山醫學大學 === 護理研究所 === 94 === The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between main primary caregiver’s stress perception during intensive care period and need for medical care and affective support. A cross-sectional correlation study was designed, and convenience sampling was adopted. The sampling period spanned from Oct 2005 to May 2006. “Primary Caregiver’s Stress Perception Scale”, “Primary Caregiver’s Need for Medical Care and Affective Information” were used as research tools. The research subjects were primary caregivers for patients in a chest medicine ICU of a medical center in southern Taiwan. Questionnaires were distributed to collect research data. A total of 85 valid questionnaires were collected (response rate 0.83). It was discovered the primary caregivers had an average age of 46.78 years old, and most of them were female. As to their need for medical care and affective information, the top 3 items were about (1) disease development, diagnosis, and complications, (2) treatment of emergency and knowledge about symptom monitor, and (3) medicinal guidance. In the satisfaction over need for medical care, a generally low level of satisfaction over affective information was observed. In various self-aware care abilities, the top 3 items included oral hygiene, foot care, and dressing. Primary caregivers’ overall stress perceptions were in between “mid stress" and “tremendous stress”. The most stressful item was “disease characteristics”, followed by “individual”, “interpersonal relationship”, and “environment”. In terms of ratings in stress perception, the top 3 items were “when illness condition varies”, “witness the patient receive injection, infusion, and tube connections (endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy, and insertion of nasogastric tube), and “the patient has changed so much since he fell sick”. The prediction variables for primary caregivers'' stress perception were need for medical care, personal insurance, monthly income of the family, coordinated care by other family members or relatives, whether living with the patient, and number of days staying in the ICU. The predicted variance was 58.7%. Based on the research design, nursing practice, and nursing education, this study proposed suggestions as a reference for improving service quality in the future.