Beyond the Machine: Understanding the Lived Experiences of Family Members of Admitted Patients in the Intensive Care Unit in a Private Hospital in Antipolo City

The admission of a family member to the Intensive Care Unit is often a tough time that affects the family in many ways. It can be very emotional and stressful for them. They have to deal with not knowing what is going to happen to their loved one; they cannot visit them all the time. They have to take on new responsibilities. This can be very hard for the family. This study was conducted to understand what family members experience when their loved one is in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in Antipolo City. The study examined what they experienced, the problems they faced, how they coped, and what they thought about their experience. The study used a research approach to gain a deep understanding of what the family members went through. The people who took part in the study were selected because they met the eligibility criteria. They were interviewed in person, and the conversation was recorded. Here are the four main themes: (1) Emotional Distress and Psychological Burden During ICU Admission; (2) Strengthening Family Relationship Through Shared Responsibility and Support; (3) Financial and Practical Challenges of ICU Hospitalization; (4) Faith, Resilience, and Meaning-Making Amid Critical Illness. This research shows that when nurses and doctors understand what families are going through, they can provide care that considers the family's emotional and informational needs. This can help prevent severe mental health problems for the family. The intensive care unit can be a tough place for families, and this study highlights the importance of family-centered care.