Vigilant attentiveness in families observing deterioration in the dying intensive care patient: A secondary analysis study

Abstract

Background: Family support in intensive care is often focussed on what information is

Navigating communication with families during withdrawal of life‐sustaining treatment in intensive care: a qualitative descriptive study in Australia and New Zealand

“…), which includes active listening (Coombs et al . ) and offering timely reassurance (Efstathiou & Walker ), this study has shown that there are other perhaps less tangible skills, that also impact on communication with family. Being able to determine who to communicate with, how and when to communicate with family in terms of their readiness for information and the speed at which information should be communicated was also important.…”

“…), offering reassurance, providing information and listening (Wilkin & Slevin ), demonstrating interpersonal sensitivity and intimate relationships (Efstathiou & Walker ) and communicating information to families (Coombs et al . ). What is common to all these descriptions is the importance of communication.…”

Family Outcomes and Perceptions of End-of-Life Care in the Intensive Care Unit: A Mixed-Methods Review

“…Three qualitative studies used both interviews and observations to collect evidence. 46,48,49 In the remaining 14 studies, 5 -45 including 2 mixed-methodology articles 47,50 and a secondary data analysis report 51 , data were collected only through interviews. Five common themes about family’s experience of EOLC in the ICU were identified. (1) Distressing emotions …”

“…Family members wanted proactive communication from health-care providers. 38,40 -42,44,49,51 They exhibited vigilant attentiveness and wanted to know everything about the patients to ensure the quality of care for their loved ones. 49,51 Family members appreciated sensitive and regular communication from nurses and physicians.…”

“…38,40 -42,44,49,51 They exhibited vigilant attentiveness and wanted to know everything about the patients to ensure the quality of care for their loved ones. 49,51 Family members appreciated sensitive and regular communication from nurses and physicians. 38,40,42 Such proactive communication increased family satisfaction and enabled health-care providers to understand and address the patients’ needs at end of life.…”