Lived experience of caregivers of patients transitioning from intensive care to a general ward

Abstract

Background: The transition from the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) to a general ward marks a critical stage in patient recovery and a period of profound emotional adjustment for caregivers. While international evidence underscores the importance of caregiver inclusion in transitional care, limited research has examined how caregivers experience this process within the Maltese context. Aim: This study explored the lived experiences of relatives of ITU patients transitioning to a general ward, aiming to understand how caregivers made sense of this process and how their experiences can identify strategies to strengthen patient-family centred care. Method: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted with relatives of former ITU patients at the main hospital in Malta. Guided by Meleis’ Transition Theory, semi structed interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed ideographically, before being integrated into Group Experiential Themes (GETs). Findings: Three subordinate themes emerged: (1) Recognition and Communication in Navigating uncertainty, (2) The Evolving Caregiver Role, and (3) Coping. Caregivers experienced the transition as both hopeful and distressing, with communication quality, relational acknowledgement, and preparedness for new responsibilities strongly shaped adaptation. Expanding caregiving roles and fragmented information intensified strain, while empathy and inclusion fostered trust and resilience Conclusion: The findings, guided by Meleis’ framework, highlight the need for structed, relationally attuned support across settings. Establishing an ITU liaison team, training nurses in transition and communication skills, and integrating transition-focused competencies within the nursing curriculum could enhance contuity and family inclusion. Practice Development Nurses are well positioned to champion these initiatives, fostering healthier, patient-family centred transitions.