Support needs and experiences of family members of wounded, injured or sick UK service personnel. Issue 6 (9th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Verey, Anna; Keeling, M; Thandi, G; Stevelink, S; Fear, N
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Volume 163:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 388
• Page End: 393
• Publication Date: 2017-10-09
• Subjects: mental health -- qualitative research -- burden of illness -- informal caregiving -- military personnel
• DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2016-000725
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8665

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: When a service person has been wounded, injured or sick (WIS), family members may provide care during their recovery in an unpaid capacity. This may occur in diverse environments including hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation centres, in the community and at home. Method: Thirty-seven family members of WIS personnel were interviewed regarding their support needs, family relationships and use of UK support services. Semistructured, in-depth telephone interviews were used, with data analysis undertaken using a thematic approach. Results: 'Family member involvement' was the main theme under which four subthemes were situated: 'continuity of support', 'proactive signposting and initiating contact', 'psychoeducation and counselling' and 'higher risk groups'. Family members felt they might benefit from direct, consistent and continuous care regardless of the WIS person's injury or engagement type, and whether the WIS person was being treated in a hospital, rehabilitative centre or at home. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that family members of WIS personnel value proactive, direct and sustained communication from support service providers. We suggest that families of UK service personnel may benefit from family care coordinators, who could provide continuous and consistent care to family members of WIS personnel.