Volume 11, Issue 1 (9-2025)
SJNMP 2025, 11(1): 31-34 |
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Dorosti A, Seyednazari M A, Sodeify R. Families, the Hidden Patients of the ICU: An Assessment of the Financial and Psychological Burden of Intensive Care. SJNMP 2025; 11 (1) :31-34
URL: http://sjnmp.muk.ac.ir/article-1-682-en.html
URL: http://sjnmp.muk.ac.ir/article-1-682-en.html
1- , sodeify@yahoo.com
Abstract: (8 Views)
This article aims to draw attention to the hidden psychological and financial challenges in intensive care units (ICUs) by assessing the burden imposed on patients’ families. While the medical team focuses on saving the patient’s life, families face severe stress, anxiety, and substantial financial pressures that can lead to long-term psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These impacts not only disrupt their quality of life but also diminish their ability to effectively support the patient. The main challenges include insufficient financial and informational support, high medical costs, and ineffective, unclear communication between the healthcare team and families. Visitation restrictions and strict regulations exacerbate these issues, increasing feelings of loneliness and helplessness among families. To address these challenges, solutions such as providing financial counseling to families, developing regular communication protocols, allowing flexible visiting hours, and offering psychological counseling services are proposed. Furthermore, training healthcare staff in communication skills and empathy can enhance interactions and foster more effective support for families. Implementing these strategies can create a more supportive environment for patients’ companions, improving their experience and ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.
Type of Study: Editorial |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/11/19 | Revised: 2026/08/29 | Accepted: 2026/04/13 | Published: 2025/09/23 | ePublished: 2025/09/23
Received: 2025/11/19 | Revised: 2026/08/29 | Accepted: 2026/04/13 | Published: 2025/09/23 | ePublished: 2025/09/23
References
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