Challenges and perspectives of family support in the intensive care unit: focus on vulnerable relatives

Abstract

Background: Supporting relatives in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex task, especially when it comes to vulnerable people such as children, very old persons or socioeconomically disadvantaged persons. They are exposed to particular physical and psychological stress and require targeted awareness from healthcare professionals. Objective: What person-centered challenges and support services are available for vulnerable relatives in the ICU? Results: This article highlights the various challenges and support services for vulnerable relatives in ICUs. Depending on the group and individual, there are a variety of challenges such as a lack of helpful coping strategies, difficult access to adequate information, communication problems and a generally increased risk of persistent long-term consequences. Targeted training of specialist staff, specific practical instructions, culturally sensitive communication strategies and the use of supporting resources even digital ones can enable person-centered and vulnerability-reducing support. Conclusion: A high level of interprofessional and intercultural competence and the development of specific support services can relieve the burden on both relatives and specialist staff and contribute to improving the quality of care.