Family participation during physical activity in the intensive care unit: A longitudinal qualitative study

Family-centered care has been implemented in the ICU to meet relatives' needs concerning information, support, participation and shared decision making. This study explores the needs, beliefs, feelings and behaviors of relatives of patients admitted to the ICU regarding participation during physical activity. Longitudinal qualitative study design following a grounded theory approach. Relatives were interviewed at 4, 8 and 12 days after the patient's ICU-admission. Data were analyzed using constant comparison. Twenty-five interviews were conducted in ten relatives. Relatives believed that physical activity in the ICU improves recovery. Participating in physical activity decreased their feelings of powerlessness and uselessness. Relatives mentioned that they would be stimulated to participate if they were invited, guided and informed by healthcare providers. The perceived reticence of healthcare providers, patient's health-changing capacity and the inability to communicate led to a more passive attitude towards participation. The conceptual model shows how family participation during physical activity changes from a passive role, with negative beliefs and feelings of uselessness and powerlessness, to a more proactive participatory role. Relatives felt more useful and like they were part of the team. Providing relatives with additional information might be a viable strategy to help and stimulate participation. •Family participation during physical activity might decreases relatives’ feelings of powerlessness and uselessness.•Invitation, guidance and information by healthcare providers might stimulate relatives to participate in physical activity.•To feel useful might be a key motivator for active family participation in the ICU.