The ICU guide for families: understanding intensive care and how you can support your loved one
Description
ICU events are not uncommon but knowing what to do when a loved one is placed there is. This work explores the ICU with an eye toward guiding families to getting the best care for their beloved patient
Intensive care will touch almost all of us at some point – whether directly, or through our families and or friends. This book is for every family of patients in the ICU, who have suddenly entered an intimidating and alien world, in which they feel powerless and out of control. In simple, direct language, Lara Goitein, MD, gives clear explanations of all aspects of intensive care – what all those lines and tubes are; common conditions such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); physical changes in patients and what they mean; common procedures and their risks and benefits; and the people and the culture of the ICU. One full section of the book is devoted to Covid-19-specific issues.
In addition, the book provides concrete advice for how family members can be effective advocates on behalf of their loved ones –what to know before giving consent for procedures, how to interact with ICU staff, how to help the ICU team guard against common complications of ICU care, and how to approach important decisions about end-of-life care. Along the way, the author gently reminds of us of what, in the end, matters most in the ICU.
For readers who may be distracted and exhausted, this is a clear, accessible guide with concrete recommendations for getting the best care and asking the right questions along the way. A compassionate resource in a time of extreme stress, this book offers support to anyone touched by an ICU stay.
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Table of Contents
From the Book
Published Reviews
Choice Review
Goitein provides a comprehensive treatise about the reality for patients and families experiencing intensive care in 21st-century US hospitals. Compassion is evident in the "What can you do" sections, addressing questions that families will want to ask, and suggesting whom they should seek for answers. Exposing the dynamics of how a health care team works in the ICU setting, Goitein aims to help families successfully navigate the intricate system. An open question is where and when to introduce this content. It may be too overwhelming when a family is in the moment and probably needs tailoring by a health care professional in discussion with families. Ideally, this resource is for primary care professionals to use with their most vulnerable populations with potential for ICU care. In addition to public libraries, senior and health care resource centers, chaplains, parish nurses, and social workers in community care settings may find the book useful. The complexity of care explanation would help beginning health care professionals as they decide on practice focus and whether this service fits their aptitudes and abilities. While Goitein's detailed explanation of the mechanics of care is central, the most critical takeaway is the modelling of personal interaction between health professionals, their patients, and families as they make life-defining decisions. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Linda K. Strodtman, emerita, University of Michigan
Booklist Review
The intensive care unit can be an intimidating and frightening place. Dr. Goitein, who has practiced medicine in intensive care settings, has created a very practical guide to help family and friends advocate and care for their loved ones there. She begins by noting that they will spend a great deal of time waiting. She then discusses the various medical staff members and their roles, including, most importantly, who is actually in charge of the patient's care. She covers visiting times and protocols, common medical procedures, and all the monitors, alarms, and machines that sustain life, including diagrams. The author then deals with the difficult situation of long-term ICU stays, death, and dying. She also explains post-ICU care and rehabilitation. Being an advocate for the patient is vital, and Dr. Goitein tells readers how to do this: have a copy of current medical records and advance directives, and know when to ask questions. She also notes the importance of self-care for the family and discusses the financial aspects of intensive care. This is an excellent resource for public and consumer health libraries.
Booklist Reviews
The intensive care unit can be an intimidating and frightening place. Dr. Goitein, who has practiced medicine in intensive care settings, has created a very practical guide to help family and friends advocate and care for their loved ones there. She begins by noting that they will spend a great deal of time waiting. She then discusses the various medical staff members and their roles, including, most importantly, who is actually in charge of the patient's care. She covers visiting times and protocols, common medical procedures, and all the monitors, alarms, and machines that sustain life, including diagrams. The author then deals with the difficult situation of long-term ICU stays, death, and dying. She also explains post-ICU care and rehabilitation. Being an advocate for the patient is vital, and Dr. Goitein tells readers how to do this: have a copy of current medical records and advance directives, and know when to ask questions. She also notes the importance of self-care for the family and discusses the financial aspects of intensive care. This is an excellent resource for public and consumer health libraries. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.