Framing the future: Family preparedness for care transitions of critically ill children.

INTRODUCTION

Improving family centered care in the PICU requires understanding the milestones that families need assistance preparing for as well as factors that facilitate or obstruct preparedness. We present a model of family preparedness for transitions in the PICU based on semistructured interviews with clinicians and families that is designed to improve family centered care through the reduction of failed or traumatic transitions.

METHOD

We conducted semistructured interviews with 20 clinicians and 25 families in an academic PICU. Transcript analysis focused on identifying factors facilitating or obstructing family preparedness for care transitions. We analyzed interview transcripts for emergent themes and metathemes using grounded theory methodology.

RESULTS

Family preparedness for care transitions is dependent upon both cognitive and emotional preparedness. Six metathemes form a novel model for understanding the factors influencing both components of preparedness and their interrelationship. Specifically, family preparedness is influenced by (a) individualized backgrounds, coping skills, and support systems as well as the (b) emotional context, (c) care environment, (d) course of care, (e) content of preparatory information, and (f) manner in which care is coordinated to effectively deliver information. We also describe 10 transitional categories that provide context for application of the model.

DISCUSSION

Cognitive and emotional preparedness for care transitions in the PICU develops through attentiveness to six features. The conceptual model presented here will allow clinicians to support family centered care through interventions to facilitate a shared development of expectations for the future and reduce the risk of failed or traumatic transitions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).