Abstract
Aims: In December 2001, nursing industrial action occurred at Christchurch Hospital. This study assesses the effect industrial action had on relatives of those Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients involved. Method: A written questionnaire was sent to the relatives of the 17 patients on Intensive Care around the time of the strike; 11 of these patients had needed to be transferred to out of region hospitals for continuing care, whilst the others remained in the intensive care unit. Comparisons were made with a control group of 26 next-of-kin. Results: Compared with relatives of patients not involved in the strike, relatives involved during the strike were significantly more angry (p<0.007) and less trusting that the patients had received the best possible care (p<0.05). Compared to the control group, they were also more negative in their continuing view of the healthcare system (p<0.05). Those relatives involved in air transfers were more distressed (p<0.05), angry (p<0.001), and less trusting than those not involved in a transfer (p<0.005). Conclusion: The study shows that industrial action caused measurable distress and anxiety to the relatives involved some 16 months after the strike, especially in patients who were transferred. A persistent negative perception of the healthcare system in New Zealand could be demonstrated in this group.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-15 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | New Zealand Medical Journal |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 1205 |
Publication status | Published - 5 Nov 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |