This project sought to explore and respond to this issue: 

• To evaluate the stress levels and experience of relatives/carers of critically ill patients in the Viet Anh and Adult ICU Wards at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases. 
• To explore appropriate methods of engagement to reduce the stress experience and improve the coping mechanisms of these carers.  
• To provide health information about communicable diseases and care for patients with residual neurological disability through participatory activities with carers, which provided opportunities for communication with health staff.  

Project activities: 

• 4 x focus group discussions and 23 individual interviews with carers and health workers to explore the difficulties they experience with patients in the ICU.  
• Two health talks were given to carers on topics raised through the interviews/FGDs of ‘tetanus disease’ and ‘how to reduce stress’.  
• Art therapy workshops were provided with 2 groups of carers to facilitate discussion about their concerns, support one another, and increase positive thinking amongst carers.