Can Online Information Help Reduce PTSD in ICU Patients' Family Members?

What you need to know

• Half of ICU patients’ family members show significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Women and those present during the critical medical event experience higher levels of psychological distress
• While online information resources were frequently used, they did not significantly reduce PTSD symptoms

The Hidden Impact of ICU Stays on Families

When a loved one is admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), the experience can be deeply traumatic for family members. The constant worry, unfamiliar medical environment, and uncertainty about outcomes can take a heavy psychological toll. While medical teams naturally focus on the patient’s physical recovery, family members often struggle with anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can persist long after their loved one leaves the ICU.

Understanding the Study

Researchers conducted a rigorous clinical trial across multiple hospitals in Austria and Switzerland to test whether providing comprehensive online information could help reduce psychological distress in ICU patients’ family members. They created two websites: an intervention site with detailed ICU information, expert chat features, and support resources, and a control site with basic information only. The study followed 89 family members for up to one year, measuring their levels of PTSD symptoms and emotional distress at different time points.

Key Findings

The results revealed the substantial psychological burden that ICU stays place on families. At the start of the study, 50% of family members showed clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Women tended to experience more severe symptoms than men, particularly in the early stages. Family members who were present when their loved one experienced the medical emergency that led to ICU admission also showed higher levels of distress.

While family members actively used the information websites (particularly the more comprehensive intervention site), access to these resources did not lead to meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to the control group. This suggests that while online information meets an important need, it may not be sufficient on its own to address the psychological trauma families experience.

Long-Term Impact

Perhaps most concerning was the finding that many family members continued to struggle with PTSD symptoms up to one year later. This highlights the long-lasting psychological impact of having a loved one in intensive care and suggests the need for longer-term support services for families.

What This Means for You

If you have a family member in intensive care:

• Recognize that feeling anxious, depressed, or traumatized is a normal response
• Don’t hesitate to seek professional mental health support
• Take advantage of available information resources while understanding their limitations
• Consider joining support groups for ICU families
• Pay special attention to self-care and stress management
• Remember that recovery is often a long process - for both patients and families

Conclusions

• Having a loved one in intensive care can cause significant psychological trauma for family members
• Online information resources, while helpful, may not be enough to prevent or treat PTSD symptoms
• Healthcare systems need to develop more comprehensive support services for ICU families
• Long-term mental health follow-up may be beneficial for many family members