IJGPNInternational Journal of General Practice Nursing2981-94152981-9423Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/ijgpn.v3iSpecial.13948ArticleAnxiety and Its Determinants in Family Members of Unaccompanied Hospitalized Elderly Patientshttps://artdesignp.com/journal/IJGPN/3/0/10.26689/ijgpn.v3iSpecial.13948LiYun,YanYuge,HuangXueyi,DuanJiaxin,NiuHongmei2025302025-12-31The 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.

Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Nursing, et al., 2020, The Experiences of Health-Care Providers during the COVID-19 Crisis in China: A Qualitative Study. The Lancet Global Health, 8(6): e790–e798.

Ren X, Qiao J, Ji J, 2025, Population Aging and Intensified Economic Downside Risk: Evidence from China. Economic Modelling, 152: 107304.

Li W, Tang Y, Gao T, et al., 2025, Development and Validation of an Interpretable Machine Learning Model for Predicting Intrinsic Capacity Decline in Elderly Inpatients. Experimental gerontology, 2025: 112923.

Li N, Lv XM, Jiao CY, et al., 2025, Application and Evaluation of the Global Trigger Tool Approach to Adverse Drug Event Monitoring in the High-Risk Elderly Inpatients with Multiple Chronic Diseases. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16: 1594176.

Cheng Y, Wan S, Jiang Y, et al., 2025, The Real Experience of Nurse Role Reconstruction under the Implementation of the No-Attendant Care Policy in Shanghai Hospitals: A Qualitative Study. Frontiers in Health Services, 5: 1663682.

General Office of the National Health Commission, General Office of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, General Office of the National Disease Control Bureau, 2025, Pilot Program for No-Attendant Inpatient Care Services, viewed November 22, 2025, https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202505/content_7025451.htm

Chen X, Huang Y, Chen F, et al., 2025, The Incidence and Risk Factors of Perioperative Delirium in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture under the Unaccompanied-Care Model. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 20(1): 693.

Judit I, Juan M, Montserrat A, et al., 2022, The Psychological Impact on Relatives of Critically Ill Patients: The Influence of Visiting Hours. Critical Care Explorations, 4(2): e0625.

Checa AC, Maldonado VM, Ramírez A, et al., 2025, Family Support Strategies During Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review. Inquiry: A Journal of Medical Care Organization, Provision and Financing, 62: 469580251368654.

Gao C, Li M, Guo L, et al., 2024, Developing a Conceptual Model for Understanding Caregiving Experience and Their Impacts on Quality of Life for Chinese Breast Cancer Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study. Nursing Open, 11(3): e2139.

Lu H, Xu WJ, Chen Y, et al., 2025, Effect of Grief Counseling on Psychological Distress and Negative Emotions among Family Members of Patients with Terminal Tumors. World Journal of Psychiatry, 15(10): 110643.

Bogetz J, Ayala E, Anderson J, et al., 2025, A Photo-Narrative Intervention Protocol for Clinicians and Parents of Children with Severe Neurological Impairment in the PICU. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 44: 101455.

Young AH, Jee JH, Jeong KH, 2023, Effects of a Noncontact Visit Program in the NICU for the Prevention of COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(15): 2152.

Riegel M, Rückholdt M, Randall S, et al., 2025, Navigating Uncertainty: Family Experiences and Coping Strategies During Critical Care Hospitalisation: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. Nursing in Critical Care, 30(6): e70194.

Yoshihiro S, Toshinori N, Kyoko W, et al., 2022, Changing Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression in Mothers Admitted to a Perinatal Center. Pediatrics and Neonatology, 64(3): 319–326.

Vlake JH, van Bommel Jasper, EvertJan W, et al., 2021, Virtual Reality for Relatives of ICU Patients to Improve Psychological Sequelae: Study Protocol for a Multicentre, Randomised Controlled Trial. BMJ Open, 11(9): e049704.

Sultanali MN, 2024, Exploring the Patients’ and Family Members’ Perspectives on Home-Based Palliative Care. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 30(10): 548–555.

Marshoudi ARA, Aisaiee MA, Ghafri AZA, et al., 2025, Self-control as a Mediator Between Caregiver Burden and Psychological Resilience among Psychiatric Caregivers in Oman. Scientific Reports, 15(1): 35219.

Lautrette A, Cadoret M, Richard JC, et al., 2025, Impact of Visitation Restrictions in ICU on Psychological Symptoms in Family Members: Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2470OC.

Wu Y, Hao WT, Fan YC, et al., 2025, The Relationship Between Caregiver Burden and Anxiety in Family Caregivers of Adolescents with Depression: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience. BMC Psychiatry, 25(1): 992.

Kiwanuka F, Kopra J, Dankosky NS, et al., 2025, Family Support in Acute Care Settings: Perspectives of Family Members on Cognitive and Emotional Support. BMC Nursing, 24(1): 752.

Nimrod H, Doron G, Noam M, et al., 2022, Left Alone Outside: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study on Mental Health Outcomes among Relatives of COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients. Psychiatry Research, 307: 114328.

Xiang F, Xia Y, Xie B, et al., 2023, Efficacy of SBAR combined with CICAR Communication Mode in Enhancing CT Hydration Effect and Nursing Satisfaction in Elderly Patients with Low Education. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 29(8): 440–446.

Li R, Liang S, Hong L, et al., 2023, A Study of Grief Experience Interviews with Family Members of Patients with Advanced Malignant Tumors Based on Noninvasive Death Index Monitoring. BMC Psychology, 11(1): 357.

Zhang X, Liu B, Zang D, et al., 2022, Preferences for WeChat-Based and Hospital-Based Family Intervention Among Caregivers of People Living with Schizophrenia. Patient Prefer Adherence, 16: 635–645.

Katarzyna B, Halina D, Barbara B, 2017, Silent Strain of Caregiving: Exploring the Best Predictors of Distress in Family Carers of Geriatric Patients. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 12: 263–274.

Lv Y, Li P, Li R, et al., 2024, The Impact of Patient- and Family-Centered Care Interventions on Intensive Care Unit Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (Elsevier), 75(1): 844577.