Impact of hospitalisation on behavioural and physiological stress responses associated with cardiovascular risk in visiting family members.

Background: The hospitalisation of a patient in intensive care impacts the psychological health of family members, with a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms reported among families of critically ill patients. Understanding of the behavioural and physiological impact is limited and presents a new area of focus.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate behavioural and physiological stress responses of visiting family members following hospitalisation of their adult relative.

Psychological responses and coping behaviour of visiting family members during and following unplanned hospital admission.

Aims: To describe the psychological symptoms and coping behaviours of visiting family members following the unplanned hospitalisation of their relative.

Background: Hospitalisation of a patient is recognised as a stressful time for visiting family members, who experience psychological morbidity and elevated health risk.

Design: This prospective longitudinal evaluation included 40 family members of patients with unplanned admission to coronary or intensive care.