QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
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Observational Study
Psychological burden in inpatient relatives: the forgotten side of medical management.
The burden of the hospital experience is a broad issue that has been evaluated in a particular context of intensive care unit (ICU). It is likely, however, that the load is heavy on families even in other hospital wards and not just in the ICU. The present study was designed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in family members of patients admitted in a general medicine department, and to identify associated factors with those symptoms. ⋯ The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members remains high at the end of acute health care. It is hoped that improving the provision of information will decrease the risk of psychological distress.