Experiences of parents visiting an adult family member in the intensive care unit accompanied by their underaged children: A qualitative study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore experiences and needs of parents visiting critically ill family members in intensive care units (ICUs) accompanied by their underaged children (<18 years).
Methods: Six semistructured interviews with parents were conducted in a qualitative design. Data analysis and synthesis were performed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. This study was conducted in five adult ICUs in Switzerland.
Findings: Parents opted for early and truthful involvement of their children, and the majority initiated the visits themselves. Five themes were identified: feeling of shock by the entire family; crying in front of the children; feeling welcome with the children; knowing that the children can cope with it; and holding the family together. Parents felt only partially welcomed in the ICU when accompanied by their children. In one case, the parents withdrew the child from the visit.
Conclusions: Parents experienced the visit to a critically ill family member in the ICU with their underaged children as challenging. They were emotionally vulnerable and yet took the initiative to keep the family together. Parents had to mediate between their children, the critically ill family member, and the treatment team. Awareness of the needs of the parents visiting with underaged children is important in clinical practice. There is a need for family-centred structures and processes, including adequate visiting times and rooms suitable for children with books, pictures, and toys.