Bako Lilian*

Quality Improvement Department, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

*Corresponding Author: Bako Lilian, Quality Improvement Department, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

Received: March 30, 2026; Published: July 31, 2026

Background: The transfer of patients to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a critical moment for both patients and their caregivers, often accompanied by emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. This study aimed to explore caregiver experiences during the transfer of their loved ones to the ICU at Mbarara Regional referral Hospital.

Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study design was employed to interview 10 participants selected by purposive sampling using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used give the deeper understanding of subjective experiences and views of caretakers at MRRH regarding transfer of their Patients to ICU.

Results: The findings revealed a range of emotional responses among caregivers, including distress, anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress. Many caregivers reported feeling excluded from decision-making processes and experiencing communication barriers with healthcare providers. Financial concerns emerged as a significant issue, with limited support from relatives and friends exacerbating the financial strain of medical emergencies. Accessibility issues, such as restricted visitation policies in the ICU, further compounded caregivers' distress and sense of isolation.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to prioritize communication, inclusion, and support for caregivers during the ICU transfer process. By addressing the challenges, nurses and healthcare professionals can create a more supportive and collaborative care environment that meets the holistic needs of both patients and their caregivers during critical illness.

Recommendations: Enhancing communication skills among healthcare teams, providing education and support for caregivers, advocating for flexible visitation policies, and addressing the financial needs of caregivers is paramount in improving their experience.

Keywords: Intensive Care Unit (ICU); Healthcare; Distress; Anxiety

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Citation

Citation: Bako Lilian. “Experiences of Caretakers During Transfer of their Patients to Intensive Care Units at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 10.8 (2026): 107-124.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Bako Lilian. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.