Significance of Bedside Photographs for Families of ICU Patients

Abstract

This study examines the significance of bedside photographs for families of ICU patients in order to understand using such photographs more effectively in nursing intervention. Families of critically ill patients who have photographs at their bedsides were interviewed with semi-structured interviews. The revised grounded theory approach was used as a reference for analyzing their responses.
From the results, five aspects of significance that such photographs have for families were selected. The aspects were important proof of patient connections with the world outside the hospital and family ties, anxieties attached to bringing photographs, sorrows triggered by photographs, joys triggered by photographs, and a wish and anxiety to recovery and recovery support.
For families of ICU patients, bedside photographs may satisfy their needs, cause their anticipatory grief, and aggravate crises when families are in the shock. Bedside photographs can be double-edged swords, presenting both benefits and disadvantages. The results suggest that being aware that photograph significance differs depending on family crisis levels and family systems and that using photographs carefully is important.