Table 1:

Stressors for Family Members of Intensive Care Unit Patients Addressed by an Electronic Diary

Family members do not understand or are unfamiliar with ICU technology.

Multiple unfamiliar ICU caregivers make it difficult for family to communicate with hospital staff. (Whom do I talk to? About which aspects of care?)

Caregivers’ schedules are unpredictable. (When will the doctor come by the room?)

Family members do not know what they can do to help. (How can I be involved in daily care?)

Family members are overwhelmed by information on external websites. (What is relevant to our family or loved one?)

Family members have trouble understanding technical information given by clinicians. (What was meant by “weaning from the ventilator”?)

Lack of follow-up and long-term side effects occur after the episode of care is over. (Whom should I speak to about memory problems?)

Abbreviations: ICU, intensive care unit.