Keywords
Relatives of elderly patients
Anxiety
Analysis of influencing factors
Submitted : 2026-01-26
Accepted : 2026-02-10
Published : 2026-02-25
Abstract
The unaccompanied care model, an innovative approach to nursing management designed to address the challenges of population aging and optimize healthcare resources, is increasingly being implemented among elderly inpatients. While this model enhances management efficiency and reduces infection risks, it also presents challenges to the mental health of family members, particularly due to their limited involvement, with anxiety being a prominent concern. This review systematically examines the prevalence and multidimensional factors influencing anxiety among family members of elderly hospitalized patients under the unaccompanied care model. Existing literature indicates that this group experiences significant levels of anxiety. However, most research has been conducted in ICU or neonatal settings, with insufficient focus on geriatric care. Furthermore, there is a notable gap in systematic quantitative studies on this topic. This review summarizes the current body of research, identifies its limitations, and proposes future research directions. Ultimately, it aims to provide theoretical support for the development of more humane family support systems and encourage region-specific empirical studies.
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