WHAT ARE THE MAIN TENSIONS SURROUNDING ICU CARE FOR THE ELDERLY?

Abstract

As the population ages worldwide, a greater number of elderly patients are admitted to the ICU with a better survival. This is also because ICU technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, and expectations of families and patients for a good outcome, have proportionately increased. . The research question was to understand the main tensions that emerge in taking care of older ICU patients within and between families and doctors, and to recommend ways of dealing with such tensions. A qualitative Framework Methodology was used to analyse the data set. Specifically, the Reasoned action approach taken from social psychology, was identified as providing a useful framework for further analysis, as well as a way forward for designing practical interventions to prevent or reduce tensions in the care of older patients in the ICU. Recommendations are given on how these tensions should be handled in a timely manner. It becomes essential for physicians to understand these tensions, which go deeper than just conflict resolution. Further study is required utilising the described approach for physicians to recognise and handle such tensions.