The expressed support needs of families of adults who have survived critical illness: A thematic synthesis

Surviving critical illness can result in ongoing psychological, physical and cognitive impairments for both survivors families. During the time from through to period of adaptation back community living, families, alongside survivors, have support needs. This systematic review aimed provide an in-depth insight into expressed needs families adults who survived admission intensive care unit returned a home environment. It also explore how these change over time, what provisions perceived be helpful. was using thematic synthesis methodology. Predefined searches were conducted CINAHL, Medline, PsychINFO, SocIndex, EMbase, Academic Search Complete, EThOS OpenGrey locate studies published English 2000. Two reviewers screened each study against inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal undertaken Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Extracted data managed Nvivo12® analysed identify descriptive analytical themes. The Timing it Right Framework used frame changes need across recovery continuum. Thirty-nine included, 30 qualitative, eight quantitative one mixed methods. Five key family identified continuum: security; make sense situation; finding balance; holding everything together; trust. Families found following interventions helpful: written information; coordination navigation; input staff after discharge continuity; provision groups. Although there are similarities between sufficient differences warrant development processes address throughout More research is required develop tool better continuum, gaps current service provision, design meet Study registration: CRD42019136883 (PROSPERO)