Effect of Programmed Family Presence in Coronary Care Units on Patients’ and Families’ Anxiety

Abstract

<jats:p>Introduction: Hospitalization of patients in the intensive care units always has negative consequences such as anxiety and concern for patients and their families. This study aimed to investigate the effect of programmed family presence in intensive care units on patients’ and families’ anxiety. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in Iran. The eligible patients and a member of their families were assigned into two groups (N = 80) through convenience sampling. The family members in the experimental group were allowed to attend twice a day for 15 minutes in a planned way beside the patient and contribute to their clinical primary care. In the control group, the family members had a strict limitation to visit their patients based on the usual policy. Anxiety in both groups at the beginning and on the third day of patient’s admission was measured, using Spielberger’s questionnaire. The data were analyzed with SPSS version13. Results: The mean score of anxiety in the control group did not show significant difference in patients and in families, however it had decreased significantly in the experimental group after the intervention for both patients and families. The results showed that mean differences between the two groups was statistically significant in patients and families. Conclusion: The planned presence of the family of patients in coronary care unit (CCU) played a crucial role in reducing the anxiety of patients and their family. Furthermore, it is recommended that strategies of visiting policy in intensive care units (ICUs) should be revised and the possibility be provided for the families’ planned presence and participation in the patient care. </jats:p>

Communication and Virtual Visiting for Families of Patients in Intensive Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A UK National Survey

“…Restricted ICU visiting policies outside of a pandemic influence the psychological well-being of family members more than they influence ICU patients, as family members experience distress and anxiety because of being kept from the bedside ( 10 ). The absence of family members at the ICU bedside has a negative impact on patient recovery and psychological outcomes ( 11 , 12 ). Family absence also negatively influences information transfer and has the potential to reduce the understanding of patient wishes, past medical history, and current care history, with family members often being the best keepers of continuity-of-care information.…”

Characteristics of music intervention to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization: scoping review

“…The interruption of music during the intervention may negatively affect achievement of the expected benefits. During the delivery of music interventions, even the presence of family members should be carefully evaluated, as there is no consensus in the literature as to the effect of the presence of family members or significant o on symptom management [ 53 , 54 ].…”

The effect of structured virtual patient visits (sVPVs) on COVID‐19 patients and relatives' anxiety levels in intensive care unit

“…This study found that there was a significant decrease in anxiety levels in all patients under IMV, non‐IMV, and simple mask/HFNC support after sVPVs; this decrease was higher in patients under simple mask/HFNC and non‐IMV support when compared to patients under IMV support. Studies conducted prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic showed that the majority of patients (12%–60%) admitted to the ICU experience moderate to severe anxiety due to factors such as being in a foreign environment, severity of the disease, isolation from their families, and risk of death (Kamali et al, 2020; Shdaifat et al, 2020). Patient visit restrictions prevent weaning from mechanical ventilation, compliance with the treatment process, and motivation, especially in intubated patients (Rose et al, 2020).…”

“…Therefore, in order to understand the patient's experience in the ICU, encourage effective decision‐making, and prepare for recovery after discharge, it is essential that patients' relatives maintain regular communication with patients (Valley et al, 2020). Research shows that patients' access to their family members leads to a sense of calmness in patients and has a positive effect on reducing the use of sedative agents, cognitive impairment, anxiety, confusion, agitation and delirium in patients (Fumis et al, 2015; Kamali et al, 2020; Wong et al, 2018). Family members' ability to communicate with unconscious patients at every stage of the intensive care process, even virtual, eliminates the sense of abandonment, provides social support and eases their psychological burden, despite the feelings of isolation and loneliness.…”