Subarachnoid haemorrhage: a family caregiver’s perspective

What is it about?

This article discusses a patient’s journey after experiencing high-grade subarachnoid haemorrhage. The article is written from a family caregiver’s perspective; the patient was supported and cared for by his wife, who had been a nurse for 40 years. During this time, the patient and caregiver went through admission admission, immediate surgical intervention, critical care, acute care and rehabilitation. Throughout this, the family caregiver’s experience was that of an experienced nurse, contributing to the uniqueness of the experience. The article concludes that family caregivers offer a unique insight into patient care initiatives, enabling clinicians to provide patients with patient-centred and personalised care, and that strong partnership with family caregivers is the foundation for effective rehabilitation, as well as physical, social and psychological adaptation to life following subarachnoid haemorrhage

Featured Image

Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash

Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Family caregivers offer a unique insight into patient care initiatives. They provide clinicians with the opportunity to access feedback on the efficacy of interventions, and help them provide patient-centred care. When empowered to do so, family caregivers can assist patients’ understanding and interpreting their situation, which supports rehabilitation. Strong partnership with family caregivers lays the foundation for effective rehabilitation, including physical, social and psychological adaptation to life, following subarachnoid haemorrhage. The author hopes that this paper will add to the existing body of knowledge by providing insight into the patient journey and the experience of family caregivers, from which health professionals can reflect and draw conclusions on patient care.