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Table 1 Content of the written instruction for the relative

From: The effect of diaries written by relatives for intensive care patients on posttraumatic stress (DRIP study): protocol for a randomized controlled trial and mixed methods study

Introduction

The aim of writing the diary is to help you (the relative) help the patient move on after intensive care.

You may also find the diary beneficial. It may help you remember and process what happens.

What can you write about?

The beginning:

• What happened when the patient fell ill? How did the patient get to the ICU? What did the patient do? What did you do?

The time in the ICU:

• What happens to the patient? What daily activities go on? Who visits the patient?

• How does the patient react to treatment, information, care activities and visits?

• What information do you and the patient receive?

• What happens in the patient’s life, in the family and in society that the patient may find interesting?

• How do you think and feel about the situation?

After discharge:

• How does the patient improve?

• What happens in the patient’s life, in the family and in society that interests the patient?

What should you not write about?

You should not share feelings that you do not want to share with others. Remember, the diary is not a private space.

Write often

How you write the diary is your choice. You may write long or short entries as you please. The patient will surely be familiar with the way you express yourself.

Photographs

Nurses will take a minimum of two photos of the patient. These can later be placed in the diary.

Photos may make a strong impression on the patient and will therefore be given directly to the patient upon consent from the patient.

Sharing the diary with the patient

When the patient is ready to receive the diary you should give the diary to the patient. Be ware that the diary can be difficult to read for the patient as the patient can have difficulties concentrating or reading.

The diary will also confront the patient with a difficult time in the intensive care unit. This is why some patients may whish to delay reading the diary or reject it altogether. Do not push the patient into reading the diary before he or she is ready.

Some patients like the relative to read aloud from the diary and discuss the questions it raises in the patient.

When you talk about the difficult time in the ICU, it may help you both to recover from the ICU experience and move on in life.