Families of patients in ICU: A Scoping review of their needs and satisfaction with care

Abstract

Aim To describe published literature on the needs and experiences of family members of adults admitted to intensive care and interventions to improve family satisfaction and psychological well‐being and health. Design Scoping review. Methods Several selective databases were searched. English‐language articles were retrieved, and data extracted on study design, sample size, sample characteristics and outcomes measured. Results From 469 references, 43 studies were identified for inclusion. Four key themes were identified: (a) Different perspectives on meeting family needs; (b) Family satisfaction with care in intensive care; (c) Factors having an impact on family health and well‐being and their capacity to cope; and (d) Psychosocial interventions. Unmet informational and assurance needs have an impact on family satisfaction and mental health. Structured written and oral information shows some effect in improving satisfaction and reducing psychological burden. Future research might include family in the design of interventions, provide details of the implementation process and have clearly identified outcomes.

Family members' lived experiences when a loved one undergoes an interhospital intensive care unit‐to‐unit transfer: A phenomenological hermeneutical study

“…Thanks to their hope, family members can endure difficult times and still act as the situation requires (Verhaeghe et al, 2007). Eriksson (2018) It is already known (Scott, Thomson, & Shepherd, 2019;Wetzig & Mitchell, 2017;Wong et al, 2017) that family members feel a great need for information regarding the care of their loved ones and that uncertainty can arise when information is absent.…”

Operationalization of critical care triage during a pandemic surge using protocolized communication and integrated supportive care

“…Data from the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic describe complex spiritual and psychosocial issues that can manifest [40]. COVID-19-related respiratory failure warranting long periods of ICU interventions such as prone positioning, paralysis, and sedation can result in post-intensive care syndrome and survivor's guilt [41,42].Even without the pandemic situation, family members of patients need to build a trusting alliance with the ICU team, failing which loss of confidence, and dissatisfaction ensues [43]. These family members tend to develop significant sleep disturbance, fatigue, and anxiety [44].…”

Factors influencing post-ICU psychological distress in family members of critically ill patients: a linear mixed-effects model

“…Previous research has found that insufficient communication and lack of involvement in decision-making increases level of post-ICU anxiety and posttraumatic stress [9,19,24]. Satisfaction is higher in those families whose needs have been met, particularly in relation to communication and decision-making preferences [41][42][43]. Another study reported that nurse competency, concern and caring, completeness of information, and dissatisfaction with decision-making were independent predictors of dissatisfaction with ICU care [44].…”