The period whilst the person is in PTA can be a very difficult, stressful and distressing time for family and friends. Therefore it is important to provide them with support, information and guidance on how to help the person in PTA. Family will have many questions including questions related to prognosis. The following may be helpful to family and friends:
- Identify the next of kin and who can be provided with confidential, medical information. It is important to protect the patient’s right to confidentiality and dignity. Staff need to be aware that they must not provide confidential information to all visitors.
- Clear information about PTA, what it is and what to expect.
- An identified member of the team with whom the family can communicate on a regular basis.
- Information about which other team members are involved in the patient’s care, what their roles are and how to contact them for information and to address questions/concerns.
- Empathetic approach from staff is imperative, especially when family are finding it difficult to cope which may lead to frustration and anxiety. Providing time to listen is important as family will need to express their own feelings and talk about the situation.
- Signposting to sources of emotional support (counselling, support groups etc).
- Signposting to sources of support and information relating to financial, housing, employment issues etc.
- Support family to look after their own wellbeing. The family will need sleep and rest. They should try to keep some aspects of life as ‘normal’ as possible e.g. it is important to maintain friendships and social contact for support and relaxation.
- Support family to be involved in the care of the patient as much as possible.
- Explain to family/friends that it can be beneficial to the patient if visits are short. Too many visitors at once may be overwhelming and difficult for the patient to cope with.
- Help family understand the patient’s need for rest and quiet. It may be better just to sit quietly with the person rather than engage in too much conversation which the person may find overwhelming and struggle to follow.
- It is usually beneficial to limit visitors to close family and friends only. Protecting the patient’s right to privacy and dignity is important. The family should be supported to consider who should be permitted to visit. The patient may behave in a manner which is out of character and perhaps would be embarrassed for some family members/friends to see them at this time. It may be helpful to wait until the patient is more settled and potentially better able to communicate effectively and appropriately.
- Visitors may find it helpful to make a rota, especially if they feel unable to leave the patient without familiar faces for any length of time.
- Provide guidance on how best to support communication with the patient.
