BackgroundEarlier studies in developed and a few developing countries have documented experiences of family members with critically-ill patients. However, in Tanzania no documented studies could be found in this study area. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the Tanzanian family members’ perceived needs and level of satisfaction with care of their critically-ill patients, in the intensive care units in the Muhimbili National Hospital.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken, using a quantitative approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The sample size was 110 respondents, comprised of individuals who visited critically-ill patients in the intensive care unit. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 14.ResultsThe study revealed that 72 % of the family members perceived having a specific person to call at the hospital when a related family member was not available at the hospital as a very important need. Only 23 % of the respondents perceived the need of talking about the possibility of their patients’ death as very important. The nurses’ provision of care to the patients of the family members was found to be satisfactory.ConclusionThe perceived needs and level of satisfaction of family members of critically-ill patients calls for nurses to improve the quality of care to patients’ family members, which in return will enhance the patient’s recovery.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12912-016-0139-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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